Since 2011, National Voters’ Day is celebrated every year on 25 January, 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 the 14th National Voters’ Day (NVD). In honor of the country’s voters, the day is also used to facilitate voter registration, especially among newly eligible youth.

During National Voters’ Day programs across the country, new voters are identified and provided with their Voter’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC). Celebrated at all levels from national to polling station, National Voters’ Day is one of the biggest celebrations in the country.

National Voters Day 2024 Theme

Dedicated to the voters, this year’s theme – ‘There’s nothing like voting, I definitely vote’ is a continuation of last year’s theme.

National Voters’ Day: Quotes to share

1. “Every vote counts. Don’t become 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 is about making your voice heard.” , Eleanor Roosevelt, First Lady of the United States
4. “All that is necessary to overcome evil is for good people to do nothing.” , Edmund Burke, Irish politician

National Voters’ Day: History

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

It was observed that youth of voting age were reluctant to register, which necessitated a dedicated day to identify them, enroll them as voters and issue them their EPIC cards. 25 January was chosen for this festival to commemorate the establishment of the Election Commission on this day in 1950.

National Voters’ Day: Importance

The Government of India celebrates National Voters’ Day not only to identify eligible voters and motivate people to vote, but also to reassure them about the security and integrity of the electoral process. Each year, the National Awards are presented to district and state-level election officials, personnel of agencies, PSUs, CSOs and members of the media. Various districts organize competitions and cultural activities to spread awareness about the importance of voting.

National Voters Day 2024 Celebration

A Press Information Bureau release said President Draupadi Murmu will be the chief guest at the national function being organized by the ECI in New Delhi. Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal will grace the function as the guest of honour.

Heads and representatives of election management bodies will also participate in this program. Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan.

The first copy of the ECI publication ‘ECI Initiatives for General Elections 2024’ will be presented to Chief Election Commissioner Rajeev Kumar. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the initiatives taken 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 virtual interactions with voters for the first time across 5,000 locations in India. The “Namo Nav Voter” conference organized by the BJP youth wing aims to reach out to more than 1 crore eligible voters between 18 and 25 years of age.

National Voters’ Day: How to celebrate

1. Register to vote if you’re eligible.
2. Encourage your friends and family to register and vote.
3. Volunteer at the polling station.
4. Participate in voter education programs.
5. Share your thoughts about the importance of voting on social media.