Why is it in the News?

India today is celebrating its 14th National Voters’ Day. It is celebrated annually on January 25 since 2011 to mark the foundation day of the Election Commission of India. The ECI was founded on January 25, 1950.

Why is National Voters’ Day celebrated?

• National Voters’ Day aims to promote people’s participation in elections by encouraging and felicitating young voters and increasing voter enrolment.
• It is also utilised to spread awareness among voters and to promote informed participation in the electoral process.
• The day is celebrated at the national, state, district, constituency and polling booth levels, which makes it one of the largest celebrations in the country.
• The date chosen for National Voters' Day commemorates the formation of the Election Commission of India (ECI) on January 25, 1950.
  • The ECI is an autonomous constitutional body under Article 324 entrusted with the sacred responsibility of conducting free, fair, and credible elections across the country.
  • Since its inception, the ECI has played a pivotal role in upholding the democratic principles of India, ensuring the voice of every citizen is heard.
• The first National Voters’ Day was celebrated in 2011 under the leadership of the then Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) S Y Quraishi.
  • Emulating India’s example, six countries, including Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and Bhutan, have started celebrating National Voters Day.
• National Voters’ Day pledge: As a part of the celebrations, all government offices, autonomous bodies, and organisations take a pledge on the day.
  • Schools and educational Institutions across the country are encouraged to conduct activities such as debates, discussions, and competitions on the theme of Voters’ Day.

What is the theme for National Voters’ Day 2024?

• The theme for this year is ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote For Sure’, which is a continuation of last year’s theme, and conveys an individual’s feeling and aspiration towards participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote.
• The logo for this year’s theme is designed in such a way that it showcases the festivity and inclusivity of the electoral process.
  • The Ashoka Chakra in the background represents the largest democracy in the world, whereas the inked finger represents the participation of each and every voter of the country.
  • The tick mark in the logo stands for informed decision-making by the voter.