Voting for the five phases of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections has concluded, with an average voter turnout of around 57.44 percent across 429 seats. The Election Commission views a turnout of less than 60 percent as concerning. In light of this, it is crucial to address the factors contributing to the declining voter participation and to identify measures that could improve turnout.
To tackle this issue, we must first raise pertinent questions, seek solutions, and consider making certain facilities more accessible. For instance, why shouldn’t any adult citizen be able to vote from any location within the country? Why not implement mobile polling booths for individuals over 75 years old or those who are unwell? Additionally, why can’t there be a system to transport voters over 75 years old or those in need? Furthermore, why shouldn’t voters who are traveling for tourism or essential work be able to cast their votes? Although elections incur costs amounting to thousands of crores of rupees, if increasing voter turnout can be achieved by investing a few crores more in such initiatives, then these measures should be taken into serious consideration.
According to the rules of the Election Commission, you have the right to vote only in your constituency, and for this, you need to register yourself in the voter list. While this is understandable, why not develop a system that accommodates voters who, due to employment, business, tourism, or medical emergencies, are unable to be in their constituency on polling day? Arrangements could be made in private or government buildings in every city to allow these voters to exercise their right to vote.
We live in an era of advanced technology with new innovations emerging daily. Why not create a technology-based system that allows a voter from Indore to cast their vote even if they are in Kanpur? This could be done through an online mode, with the vote being registered at the Indore polling station. Although there may be some initial challenges, these can be addressed to solve the issue of low voter turnout.
Just as members of the Army, security forces, or employees on election duty can cast their vote on a ballot paper from their place of work, similar arrangements should be made for individuals who, for various reasons, cannot be at their polling station. Such measures would ensure that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the electoral process, regardless of their location on polling day.
In the current Lok Sabha elections, there are 2.18 lakh voters over the age of 100. Why not arrange for mobile booths to accommodate these elderly voters? Mobile booths could operate in every city, positioned near the homes of identified voters, making it easier for them to cast their vote. Additionally, arrangements could be made to transport elderly individuals over 75 years of age to the polling station.
Furthermore, protective measures such as mobile healthcare vans, drinking water, and other necessary facilities should be available at each polling station. These provisions would not only enhance the voting experience for the elderly but also ensure their safety and well-being.
In the end, we cannot simply say that it is the duty of citizens to vote and expect them to do so regardless of their circumstances. To address the decreasing voter turnout, the reasons mentioned above and their potential solutions should be seriously considered. If the voting percentage continues to decline, it could be perceived as citizens losing faith in democracy, which is not a desirable situation for a developing country like India.
NEWS – NANDINI JADHAV.
