Empowering First-Time Voters: A Guide To The 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections draw near, the excitement and anticipation among citizens, especially first-time voters, are palpable. For many young individuals, this will be their inaugural opportunity to exercise their democratic rights and shape the future of the nation. Understanding the significance of this pivotal moment, it becomes imperative to navigate the electoral process with confidence and responsibility.

Know Your Options: Political Parties in the Running

In the vibrant tapestry of Indian politics, several prominent parties vie for the electorate’s support, each with its distinct ideologies and historical legacies. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), founded in 1980, emerged as a prominent force advocating Hindutva nationalism and cultural resurgence. Over the years, the BJP has championed issues of national security, economic development, and cultural identity, garnering significant electoral success.

Contrastingly, the Indian National Congress (INC), one of the oldest political parties in India, traces its roots back to the pre-independence era. Established in 1885, the INC played a pivotal role in India’s struggle for independence and subsequently dominated the political landscape post-independence. With a center-left ideology emphasizing secularism, social welfare, and economic reforms, the Congress continues to wield influence despite facing challenges from emerging regional forces.

Regional parties like the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in West Bengal and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu have carved their niche in Indian politics, championing regional autonomy and linguistic rights. The TMC, founded in 1998, emerged as a potent force challenging traditional political hegemony in West Bengal, advocating for social justice and inclusive development. Similarly, the DMK, rooted in the Dravidian movement of Tamil Nadu, champions social justice, federalism, and linguistic pride, shaping the state’s political landscape for decades.

In the realm of anti-establishment politics, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) represents a relatively newer entrant, founded in 2012 on the principles of clean governance, anti-corruption, and pro-common man policies. Born out of the anti-corruption movement led by activist Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP garnered attention for its alternative approach to politics, focusing on grassroots activism and participatory governance.

If you feel that your views and opinions do not align with any of the parties in the running, don’t worry! The “None of the Above” (NOTA) option allows voters to formally express their rejection of all running candidates. Selecting NOTA as a voting option signifies that the voter has not selected any party to support. If NOTA votes get the most number of votes in a constituency, the next candidate with the second-most number of votes is declared the winner. 

On September 27, 2013, the Supreme Court of India declared that voters should have the option to select “none of the above” when casting their ballots, and it mandated that the Election Commission install a button for this option in all electronic voting machines. To give voters the option to select “None of the Above,” the ECI introduced a specific symbol. This symbol appears in the last panel on all Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The idea that the ability to voice dissatisfaction would encourage more people to engage in the democratic process of voting led to the decision to include NOTA in the electoral process. Interestingly, a NOTA vote is a neutral vote that is eventually discounted towards the final total, which distinguishes it from a negative vote and has no arithmetic value. The 2013 Supreme Court order stated that incorporating the NOTA option “will indeed compel the political parties to nominate a sound candidate,” despite its zero arithmetic value.

Many argue on whether NOTA votes really matter. According to some people, NOTA has no electoral value in Indian systems because, in theory, the candidate with the most votes—possibly even just one—will be declared the winner even if NOTA receives the maximum number of votes. However, according to a different theory, NOTA votes are crucial to the outcome of the election because they deduct votes from political parties, which causes the margins of victory to shift.

The ‘None Of The Above’ button is located at the bottom of the list of candidates on Indian electronic voting machines (EVMs). In the past, voters had to approach the polling officer at the poll to cast a negative ballot. However, NOTA has eliminated the necessity. Remember, your vote counts! So, if you don’t wish to vote for any of the parties in the running, don’t let go of your right to vote. 

Understanding the historical trajectories and ideological underpinnings of these political parties empowers voters, especially first-timers, to make informed choices aligned with their beliefs and aspirations. Make sure you make your vote count at the 2024 Lok Sabha Elections.

Your Voting Day Checklist: A Step-by-Step Guide

For first-time voters, the voting process might seem daunting, but fear not! Here’s a comprehensive checklist to ensure a seamless voting experience:

1. Prepare Your Identification: Carry your Voter ID card or any other valid government-issued photo ID such as Aadhar Card, Passport, or Driving License.

2. Know Your Polling Booth: Familiarize yourself with the location of your designated polling booth well in advance. You can find this information on the Election Commission website or helpline.

3. Early Bird Gets the Vote: Aim to arrive early at the polling booth to avoid long queues and any last-minute rush.

4. Respect Silence Zones: Maintain decorum around the polling booth area, respect the silence zone and refrain from engaging in any form of campaigning or political discussions.

5. Join the Queue: Follow the queue system and wait patiently for your turn. Listen to the instructions provided by the polling officials.

6. Verification Process: Present your ID for verification by the polling officials. Your name will be checked against the voter list.

7. Cast Your Vote: Proceed to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) and cast your vote by pressing the button next to the symbol of your chosen candidate/party.

8. Verify Your Vote: After voting, ensure that the VVPAT (Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail) displays the symbol of the candidate you voted for.

9. Inked with Pride: Your finger will be inked as proof of your participation in the electoral process.

10. Maintain Secrecy: Remember, voting is a confidential process. Refrain from taking selfies or disclosing your vote to anyone.

11. Exit Gracefully: After voting, exit the polling booth area peacefully, marking the completion of your civic duty.

By adhering to this checklist, first-time voters can navigate the voting process with confidence and contribute to the democratic fabric of our nation.

The 2024 Lok Sabha elections present a significant opportunity for first-time voters to actively engage in shaping the future of India. Armed with knowledge about the political parties and equipped with a voting day checklist, young voters can make informed decisions and participate meaningfully in the electoral process. Remember, every vote counts, and your voice matters. Let’s come together to build a stronger, more inclusive democracy.

Happy Voting!