To Vote or Not? It’s Your Call

The Chief Justice of India recently suggested that everyone in India should be forced to vote. But here’s the thing: our Constitution says voting is a choice, not a homework assignment you have to finish.

The Big Numbers: In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, about 65 crore Indians voted. That is more people than the entire populations of the US and Indonesia put together! Even though that sounds like a lot, it was only 66% of the people who were allowed to vote. That means 1 out of every 3 people stayed home.

While it would be great if everyone participated, the government has talked about making it “compulsory” (meaning you have to do it) many times over the last 75 years and always said no. Now, when the CJI says we need a way to make people vote, we think that’s a bad idea.

Why It Should Stay a Choice: In India, voting is a right, not a job. 

The “Permission” Rule: The Constitution says you are entitled (allowed) to vote. It doesn’t say you are forced to.

The Right to Be Silent: Think of voting like speaking your mind. If you have the “Freedom of Speech,” you also have the “Freedom to stay quiet.” Not voting is sometimes a way of saying you don’t like any of the choices.

The Real Problem: Some countries, like Australia, fine people about $20 if they don’t vote. But India has a different problem. Most Indians want to vote, but they can’t. Back in 2019, a study showed that 28 crore people couldn’t vote because they were working in different states, far away from their hometowns. They couldn’t just travel across the country for one day to cast a ballot.

The Bottom Line: Instead of punishing people for staying home, the government should make it easier for people to vote from wherever they are. If we fix the hurdles, the numbers will go up on their own!

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