National Voters' Day 2024: Theme, History, Significance, Inspiring Quotes, and Celebrations

Since 2011, National Voters’ Day has been celebrated every year on January 25, the foundation day of the Election Commission of India (ECI), established in 1950, to promote voter awareness and encourage participation in the electoral process. This year, ECI is celebrating 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD). In honour of the nation’s voters, the day is also used to facilitate voter registration, especially among newly eligible young people.

During National Voters’ Day events across the country, new voters are recognized and presented with their Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). Celebrated at all levels, from national to polling booth, National Voters’ Day is one of the largest celebrations in the country.

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY 2024 THEME

Dedicated to the voters, this year’s theme – ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For sure’ is a continuation from last year’s theme.

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY: QUOTES TO SHARE

1. “Every vote counts. Don’t be a spectator in your own democracy. Exercise your right to vote.” – Prime Minister Narendra Modi
2. “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln, 16th President of the United States
3. “Democracy is not just about voting, it’s about making your voice heard.” – Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States
4. “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” – Edmund Burke, Irish statesman

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY: HISTORY

In 2011, under then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, the Union Council of Ministers established National Voters’ Day as an initiative to address the low voter registration among eligible youth.

It was observed that young people of voting age were reluctant to register, prompting the need for a dedicated day to identify them, enroll them as voters, and issue them their EPIC cards. January 25 was chosen for this observance, commemorating the founding of the Election Commission on the same date in 1950.

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY: SIGNIFICANCE

The Government of India celebrates National Voters’ Day to not only identify eligible voters and inspire people to vote, but also to assure them about the safety and integrity of the electoral process. Each year, National Awards are conferred upon district and state-level election officers, personnel from agencies, PSUs, CSOs, and members of the media. Various districts conduct competitions and cultural activities to further spread awareness about the importance of voting.

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY 2024 CELEBRATIONS

President Droupadi Murmu will be the Chief Guest at the national function being organized in New Delhi by the ECI, a Press Information Bureau release said. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Arjun Ram Meghwal will grace the function as Guest of Honour.

The event will also be attended by Heads and representatives of Election Management bodies viz. Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.

The first copy of the ECI Publication ‘ECI initiatives for General Elections 2024’ will be presented to the Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the initiatives undertaken by each division of the ECI to ensure free, fair, inclusive, accessible, and participatory conduct of elections.

In another event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a virtual interaction with first-time voters across 5,000 locations in India. The “Namo Nav Matdata” conference, organized by the BJP youth wing, aims to reach over 1 crore eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 25.

NATIONAL VOTERS’ DAY: HOW TO CELEBRATE

1. Register to vote if you are eligible.
2. Encourage your friends and family to register and vote.
3. Volunteer at a polling station.
4. Attend a voter education event.
5. Share your thoughts about the importance of voting on social media.