Har subah sirf utho mat Jaago Re TATA TEA

The recent poor voting turnout (approx. 40%) in Mumbai is the cause for much discussion. It was found that middle India, comprising of urban youth and professionals were the ones who skipped voting. The poor voting results were attributed to the declaration of a holiday which gave a 4 day vacation to Mumbaikars whereas others said it was the natural apathy to politics and politicians that led to the poor voter turnout. Mumbai among other urban cities are blamed for the ‘chalta hain’ attitude or indifference and apathy.

There is the need for Indians to engage in continuous engagement with their elected constituencies. This can be in the form of open meetings wherein the local MP can discuss pertinent issues with the locals. Interactive online/on ground forums and seminars can encourage feedback and discussion among voters.

Perhaps the greatest hindrance to voting apathy might be certain myths that deter people towards voting.
People can vote from any place in India so long as he’s completed 18 years of age and has been staying at the current place of address for atleast 6 months (and not 5 years contrary to popular belief). Students, who are eligible voters, can register even from their hostels by submitting the Student Declaration Form signed by their college dean/principal/registrar along with the voter registration form. It is therefore not essential for the address proof document to directly have the voter’s name, but needs to only have the address of the place where he is staying, irrespective of whether it is a friend, relative, etc. Voter ID is not the only form of identification that is accepted. The Election Commission of India accepts most of the common documents as identity proof such as PAN card, driving license, ration card, student's ID card, passport etc as proof.

India boasts of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) which have simplified the voting process to a great extent. In EVMs, the voter has to simply press the blue button against the candidate and symbol of his choice and the vote is recorded. Cyber Forensic Experts have opined that Electronic Voting Machines have many advantages over the traditional paper based voting system and carry many security safeguards. However, the fact remains that no EVM is 100% hack proof and in the absence of an external authentication, the results may be manipulated.

The new age online voting process has removed cumbersome processes and made voting easier. After submitting details online, citizens can take a printout of their voter registration form, and get driving directions with the help of a map to submit the registration form to the designated official in their constituency. India can leverage e-voting and m-voting options and make it part of the system. This will also give millions of NRIs who are not permanently settled abroad an opportunity to vote. Such a project might be 4-5 years away. Work is already underway towards hosting a pilot in this regard, for a location where there is low voter turnout. On registering, voters will receive a call, and be asked to press a requisite key for selecting a candidate. Democracy in its entirety can be achieved only when its citizens are responsible and vigilant towards building the nation and not tearing it down.