25th January: National Voters Day

The 10th National Voters Day (NVD) will be celebrated today. The theme for NVD-2020 is ‘Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy. The theme sets the tone for year-long activities with a focus on voter education and renewal of citizens’ faith in the electoral process.

The Day is celebrated on 25th January every year since 2011. It is celebrated at over ten lakh locations across the country including polling stations, district and state headquarters, to mark the Foundation day of Election Commission of India, which was established on 25th January 1950. President Ram Nath Kovind will be the Chief Guest at the 10th National Voters Day function which is being organized by the Election Commission of India at Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi.

Election Commission of India was bemused on observing that young people were showing less interest in getting enrolled in the electoral rolls. In order to encourage youth to take part in politics, the Government of India and Election Commission of India decided to celebrate January 25 of each year as ‘National Voters’ Day’. It was started in 2011. Election Commission of India has taken various steps since then to identify new adults across India and enroll them under electoral rolls.

India is a Sovereign Democratic Socialist Republic. Citizens have the right to vote. Citizens have the right to select their leaders. National Voters Day is significant in creating awareness amongst the general public, as the future of the country depends on the leaders we choose.