Abstract:
The abstract explores the pivotal role of voting in democratic societies, underscoring its significance as a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens. Drawing inspiration from the philosophy of Abraham Lincoln, the study delves into the transformative power of voting, providing individuals with a sense of ownership in government affairs and the ability to effect meaningful change. It examines recent reforms aimed at bolstering electoral participation, including scientific approaches to understanding voter behavior and the inclusion of the “NOTA” option for expressing dissent. Efforts to educate and engage new voters through National Voters’ Day and initiatives promoting accessibility, such as Model Polling Booths, are discussed. Despite progress, challenges persist, notably election financing, social media misuse, and non-resident Indian voting. The abstract stresses the need for continued vigilance in ensuring electoral integrity, promoting voting accessibility for marginalized groups, and curbing criminal involvement in politics. By upholding democratic values and fostering transparent, inclusive processes, nations can strengthen their democratic fabric and ensure governance that truly represents the collective will of the people.
Keywords
1. Voting
2. Democracy
3. Citizens
4. Electoral process
5. Reforms
6. Accessible voting
7. Democratic societies
8. Political participation
Introduction
The right to vote is a crucial and fundamental aspect of any democratic society. It serves as the foundation of our democracy, enabling citizens to participate in selecting their representatives and determining how they are governed. Voting is not only a right but also a responsibility, as it ensures that all citizens’ voices are acknowledged and their interests are represented within the government.
Recognized as a basic human right, the right to vote is safeguarded by both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). Moreover, many nations, including India, enshrine the right to vote within their national constitutions.
Right to Vote in India
In India, the Constitution guarantees the right to vote under Article 326. This article stipulates that elections to the House of the People and State Legislative Assemblies are based on adult suffrage. This means that every Indian citizen who is not less than 18 years of age on a date determined by the appropriate Legislature, and is not disqualified under the Constitution or any relevant laws due to reasons such as non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime, or corrupt practices, has the entitlement to be registered as a voter in any such election.
History of Voting Rights
The history of voting rights varies significantly across different countries, reflecting the evolution of democratic principles and struggles for political and social equality. In ancient Greece, voting was typically restricted to adult male citizens, excluding women, slaves, and non-citizens. Voting methods varied, but often involved a show of hands or casting stones or discs into containers. Athens employed sortition, randomly selecting citizens to serve as officials and participate in voting, though this system favored the wealthy.
In the United States, voting rights were initially limited to white, male property owners. Progressively, the franchise expanded to include women and minorities. The 15th Amendment (1870) granted black men the right to vote, but it took the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to prohibit discrimination against minorities. Women secured the right to vote with the 19th Amendment in 1920. The United Kingdom’s voting rights journey involved incremental expansions. The Great Reform Act of 1832 extended voting to more men, and in 1918, all men over 21 gained the right. Women over 30 were granted the vote in 1918, and in 1928, the voting age for women was aligned with men’s. France originally restricted voting to property-owning men, granting suffrage to all men over 21 in 1848. Women obtained the right to vote much later, in 1944.
In India, the Constitution of 1950 granted voting rights to all citizens over 21. However, before that, the Indian National Congress had been advocating for voting rights since the early 1900s, culminating in Indian Independence in 1947. Voting rights have been hard-fought worldwide, closely tied to broader struggles for equality. Although progress has been made, some countries still deny certain groups the right to vote through discriminatory laws or practices. This is unacceptable, and ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure universal suffrage and fair representation in the political process.
Ensuring Right to Vote
To safeguard the right to vote for all citizens, it is crucial to focus on enhancing accessibility to the voting process. This can be achieved through initiatives like automatic voter registration, early voting, and mail-in voting. Additionally, making voting more accessible to individuals with disabilities by providing suitable polling places and equipment is essential. Another key aspect of ensuring voting rights is through education. It is imperative to inform citizens about the candidates and issues on the ballot, as well as their voting rights. This educational effort is particularly vital for young people, who often have lower voter turnout rates.
The right to vote is a fundamental human right, serving as the bedrock of democracy. It is imperative to protect and expand this right for all citizens, as every vote holds significance, and every individual deserves the opportunity to exercise their voting rights.
Right to Vote of Non-Resident Indians and Prisoners in India
Voting rights for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) were introduced in 2011 through an amendment to the Representation of the People Act 1950. NRIs can vote in the constituency where their place of residence, as mentioned in their passport, is located. However, they must vote in person and present their original passport at the polling station to establish their identity. In 2017, the government proposed to remove the restriction requiring NRIs to be physically present to vote in their constituencies. The proposed Bill aimed to allow NRIs to appoint a proxy to cast their votes on their behalf, subject to conditions laid down in the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961. Although the Bill was passed in 2018, it lapsed with the dissolution of the 16th Lok Sabha. Later, the Election Commission of India (ECI) approached the government to permit NRIs to vote via postal ballots, using a system similar to the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) already in place for service voters.
As for prisoners in India, the Representation of the People Act, 1950 disqualifies individuals serving a sentence of imprisonment for not less than two years from voting in elections. However, prisoners sentenced to less than two years in prison are still allowed to vote. Undertrial prisoners, despite having their names on the electoral rolls, are also excluded from participating in elections. Only prisoners under preventive detention have the option to cast their votes through postal ballots.
Significance of Voting
The significance of voting is deeply rooted in the principles of democracy, as exemplified by Abraham Lincoln’s famous quote. Voting empowers people to actively participate in their government, ensuring that it represents the collective will of the citizens. By exercising their right to vote, individuals become stakeholders in the decision-making process and have the opportunity to bring about positive changes in their society.
The voter turnout in recent elections in India has been encouraging, with efforts made to increase awareness and participation. Reforms, such as studying voter behavior scientifically and introducing the “NOTA” option, have aimed to enhance the democratic process. Celebrating National Voters’ Day helps educate and instill a sense of responsibility in new voters. Moreover, accessibility is prioritized through measures like Model Polling Booths, catering to diverse groups.
Despite these efforts, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. Issues like election financing, misuse of social media, and proxy voting for non-resident Indians remain concerns that require attention. Facilitating voting for inter-migrants and tackling the involvement of criminals in politics are crucial tasks. Evaluating alternative election methods, like the Proportional Representation System, could also be beneficial.
Ultimately, the strength of Indian democracy depends on the commitment of all parties and stakeholders to contribute to electoral reform and uphold the principles of democracy. By ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and accountable electoral process, the country can further strengthen its democratic foundation and uphold the values of “government of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the right to vote is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, providing citizens with a voice in the governance of their nation. The significance of voting lies in its ability to empower individuals, making them active participants in shaping their country’s future. Through voting, citizens take ownership of their government, ensuring that it truly reflects their aspirations and values. Recent reforms have aimed at enhancing the electoral process, making it more accessible and transparent. However, challenges like election financing, social media manipulation, and proxy voting for non-resident Indians continue to demand attention. Addressing these issues is crucial to maintaining the integrity and fairness of elections. Efforts to educate and engage new voters, create inclusive polling practices, and curb criminal involvement in politics must persist. By doing so, societies can fortify their democratic foundations, foster political accountability, and safeguard the collective interests of their citizens.
In conclusion, voting is not merely a right; it is a responsibility and a privilege that demands active participation. By upholding the principles of democracy, we can build stronger and more vibrant societies, where the will of the people prevails, and governance remains truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”
Sources
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/at-67-1-2019-turnouts-a-record-election-commission/articleshow/69419715.cms
- https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/national-voters-day-today-history-theme-and-celebrations-this-year-101643069775416.html
Snehali chakrabarti,
Collage: Presidency University, Bangalore
Course: BBA LLB(4th year)
