India is a democratic country where every citizen has the basic right to vote. On January 25, National Voters Day 2023 was observed to commemorate the founding day of the Election Commission of India, which was created on that date in 1950. The first National Voters Day was observed on January 25, 2011, and ever since then, it has been observed on January 25 with a particular theme. The National Voters Day celebration was chosen as a way to inspire young people to get involved in politics.
The theme for this year’s celebration ‘Nothing Like Voting, I Vote for Sure’ is dedicated to voters and conveys individuals’ feelings and aspirations toward participation in the electoral process through the power of their vote. The goal of this year’s theme is to encourage more people to vote in elections, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, or other characteristics. The Election Commission of India also concentrates on measures to simplify and improve voter accessibility across the entire voting process.
Every year, a different method is employed to mark this event. It not only promotes young people’s involvement in politics but also emphasises that the right to vote is a fundamental freedom protected by the Constitution. The day is an important day to spread awareness among the youth so that they can cast their votes to a responsible person and participate in the development of the country and honour those who have made remarkable contributions to the participation of voters.
Voting is the largest forum for direct people participation. A higher voter turnout means that more people hold elected officials accountable and that more people have a say in who comes to power. People’s voting choices determine who comes to power at the local, regional, or national level. This means that votes have the power to choose which people, ideology, and policies will determine the future course of the nation. Voting, thus, is prominent in determining the course of people’s lives.
Meghalaya will go to the polls on February 27. It is therefore the duty and responsibility of each citizen of the State to exercise his or her basic right to vote to elect whomever they think is capable of leading the State, solving the problems of common people, bringing about change, etc. If we do not come forward and choose the right leader then the progress and development of the State will be hampered and the result will be painful to each and every one of us.
No doubt there is voter fatigue as things have not changed for the better in the last 50 years of our statehood. But this time we can make a change. It is the MLAs of the State elected by the people who represent their voice in the Assembly. It is the government elected by the people that determines the future of our State including our basic needs such as roads, electricity, healthcare, education, employment opportunities etc. Hence, as voters we have a vital role to play for the fate of our State.
