National Voters Day [25th January]: History, Significance

By : Neha Dhyani

Updated : Dec 8, 2022, 19:27

National Voters Day is celebrated on 25th January every year to not only encourage young people to participate in the election process but also emphasize that the right to vote is a fundamental right. National Voters Day has been celebrated nationwide since 2011 to commemorate the establishment of the Indian Election Commission in 1950.

Every year, a specific theme is chosen to emphasize the relevance of National Voters Day. We have shared details about the theme, history, and of Voters Day here.

National Voters Day 2023

All Indians celebrate National Voters Day annually on 25th January. This day is observed to highlight the importance of voting in a democracy such as ours. The Indian government established National Voter’s Day in 2011, and it is celebrated on the day of the establishment of the Election Commission of India.

The sole aim of Voters Day is to encourage everybody to proactively participate in the voting process. Here is some more information about this day -

Day

National Voters Day

Celebrated

25th January

Observed

India

Established By

Government of India

Established In

2011

Aim

To encourage all eligible people to cast their votes and become familiar with their voting rights.

National Voters Day 2023 Theme

Voters Day is an important occasion in India. In our country, a significant number of the total population is eligible to vote. Therefore, National Voters Day is considered a significant day to spread the message of the importance of voting.

Each year, a unique National Voters Day theme is set by the government of India. Here are some of the previous year’s themes -

  • 2022: "Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative."
  • 2021 "Making Our Voters Empowered, Vigilant, Safe and Informed."
  • 2020: "Electoral Literacy for Stronger Democracy."
  • 2019: "No Voter to be left behind"
  • 2018: "Accessible Elections"
  • 2017: "Empowering Young and Future Voters"
  • 2016: "Inclusive and qualitative participation"
  • 2015: "Easy Registration, Easy Correction"

National Voter’s Day: History

Voters Day commemorates the date of establishment of the Election Commission of India. So, the history of the day can be traced back to when the Election Commission of India was formed, on 25th January 1950. According to the Government of India, National Voters Day was established to encourage people, especially youngsters, to participate actively in the election process and cast their votes.

Earlier, eligible voters in India were aged 21 years and above, but in 1988, the age threshold was reduced to 18 with the 61st Amendment. National Voter’s Day is a day to remind every eligible voter around you of the importance of casting votes in a democracy such as ours.

National Voters Day: Significance

National Voters Day is a significant occasion as it emphasizes the necessity to vote among youngsters. In a democracy like India, it is up to the people to elect their representatives by casting votes. The primary aim of Voters Day is to encourage people to choose capable leaders and raise awareness among the youth to participate in the development of the country.

Here is why celebrating National Voter’s Day is so significant -

  • India is a democratic country and all citizens have the basic right to vote.
  • It is up to the people of the country to choose their leaders through the process of voting.
  • Every person has the right to choose their leader, whoever they believe can lead the country, solve the problems of the common people, and make a difference.
  • Unless we step forward and choose the right leaders, the progress and development of the country will be hindered.
  • Voters Day is important because we need to encourage young people to participate in their democratic rights and build a strong network for the next generation.

How is National Voter’s Day Celebrated in India?

On National Voters Day, the government organizes campaigns and events to raise awareness about the importance of voting. This day is also celebrated in a number of other ways. Here is how Voters Day was celebrated in India in the previous few years -

  • Last year, India's Honorary former Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, was the main guest of honour at the national event. He did not physically attend the event but did deliver virtual messages.
  • On National Voters Day, National Awards for Best Electoral Practices for the year 2021-22 were presented to state and county officials.
  • Awards are bestowed for outstanding achievements in conducting elections in a variety of areas, including IT initiatives, security management, election management, election accessibility, contributions to voter awareness, and public relations.
  • These awards are also awarded to key stakeholders such as government agencies, ECI icons, and media groups who have made valuable contributions to raising voter awareness.
  • ECI publications, like 'Leap of Faith: Journey of Indian Elections' along with 'Pledging to Vote – A Decadal Journey of The National Voters Day in India', were also released on this day.
  • A contest to raise awareness among national voters, entitled 'My Vote is my Future- Power of One Vote', was also launched.

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FAQs on National Voters Day

Q.1. When is National Voters Day celebrated every year in India?

National Voters Day is celebrated on 25th January every year in India. This day was officially established by the government of India to encourage people, especially youngsters to participate in the election process by casting their votes for their preferred leaders.

Q2. Why is National Voters Day celebrated on 25th January?

National Voters Day is celebrated on 25th January to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission of India on this day in 1950. The Government of India announced 25th January as Voters Day in 2011, and since then, this day has been celebrated annually.

Q3. What was the theme of National Voters Day 2022?

National Voters Day 2022 theme was "Making Elections Inclusive, Accessible and Participative." Each year, the Government of India announces a new theme for Voters Day so that the occasion sends the right message to the youth of the country.

Q4. National Voters’ Day was first celebrated in?

National Voters Day was first celebrated in 2011, after the Government of India officially established the day the same year. National Voters Day is celebrated every year on 25th January to commemorate the date of establishment of the Election Commission of India.