National Voters Day 2025: Types of Voters and Myths around EVM You Need to Know

Every year on January 25, India observes National Voter’s Day, an important occasion dedicated to highlighting the crucial role of voting in the world’s largest democracy. The day was established by the Election Commission of India in 2011 to create awareness about the importance of voting and encourage greater participation in the electoral process, especially among first-time voters.

This year, 2025 marks the 15th edition of National Voter’s Day, reinforcing India’s unwavering commitment to democratic ideals. In a country with more than a billion people and vibrant cultures, religions and languages, elections play a key role in ensuring governance that is both representative and inclusive. National Voters Day is not just a celebration, but a call to action, urging every eligible citizen to actively participate in shaping the future of the country by voting.

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The event celebrates the contributions of voters while emphasizing the responsibilities that come with being part of a democracy. It is also a reminder of the Electoral Commission’s efforts to make elections accessible, transparent and fair.

READ | National Voters Day 2025: Themes, History, Meaning, Celebrations & More

What is the type of voter in India?

India’s democracy thrives on the participation of its citizens, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and circumstances. To accommodate this diversity, the Electoral Commission classifies voters into several groups, each of which plays a crucial role in shaping the country’s democratic framework.

1. general electorate

These are ordinary Indian citizens who have reached the age of 18 and have a valid voter ID issued by the Election Commission of India. Regular voters represent the largest group and exercise their right to vote by visiting their designated polling station in person on election day.

2. serve constituents

Service constituents are individuals who serve in special roles, such as:

• Members of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• Personnel of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
• State Police perform election duties
• Government employees posting overseas

These voters are entitled to vote through postal ballot and will be able to participate in elections even while fulfilling their service commitments.

3. Overseas voters (NRI voters)

Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who maintain a permanent address in India are classified as overseas voters. Although they have the right to vote, they must return to their designated constituencies in India to exercise this right.

4. nominate elector

This category includes nominations as members of parliamentary assemblies (Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha) or state legislative assemblies. Nominated electors must vote within their specific constituencies.

5. special electorate

Special electors consist of individuals holding high constitutional offices such as:

• president
• vice president
• governor
• union minister
• chief minister

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These people play an important role in governance and are granted voting rights under this category.

6. tribal or immigrant voters

Citizens living in tribal-dominated areas or temporary immigrant settlements fall under this category. Follow a unique identification and registration process to ensure their participation in the election process.

7. proxy elector

Proxy voting is a provision designed specifically to serve voters. Under this system, service voters can nominate trusted individuals to vote on their behalf.

8. provisional voters

The Election Commission makes it easier for individuals who are temporarily residing in a location (such as students, workers or professionals) to register as voters. This ensures that even people who live far away from their permanent residence can vote at a polling station near their temporary address.

Read | How to check voter application status?

What are some myths and facts about EVM?

The introduction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has transformed the electoral process in India, making it faster, safer and more efficient than traditional methods.

Before the advent of EVMs, elections relied on paper ballots, which were not only time-consuming but also prone to errors, fraud, and logistical challenges. EVM simplifies this process, ensuring greater accuracy, transparency and security of vote counting.

Despite their widespread success and trustworthiness, several myths and misunderstandings about EVMs continue to circulate. It is important to separate these myths from facts to appreciate the role played by EVM in strengthening the democratic framework of India.

Myths and Facts About EVM

Myth 1: EVM can be tampered with.

Fact: EVMS is completely tamper-proof, thanks to its unique design and advanced security measures. Unlike devices that are connected to external networks, such as the Internet or Bluetooth, EVMS functions as a standalone device, making it immune to hackers or unauthorized access. Additionally, the machines undergo rigorous testing and are sealed before the election, leaving no room for tampering.

Myth 2: EVM does not ensure secure voting records.

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Fact: To increase transparency and voter confidence, each EVM is equipped with a Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system. After voting, VVPAT generates a note showing the voter’s choice, allowing voters to verify that their vote was accurately recorded.

These units are securely stored in sealed chambers and can be used for manual presentation or auditing when required to ensure the integrity of the voting process.

Myth 3: The EVM favors larger parties.

Fact: The EVM is neutral and impartial, ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties and candidates. The machines are designed to accurately record every vote as cast, regardless of the voter’s preferences.

In fact, EVMs were rigorously tested by independent experts to verify their fairness and accuracy before being deployed in elections.

Myth 4: EVM can be hacked.

Fact: EVM is designed to make hacking impossible. The machines are not connected to any wireless or wired network, eliminating any risk of external interference. Additionally, the Election Commission of India has implemented several layers of physical and procedural security such as sealing and tracking mechanisms to ensure that these machines remain secure throughout the election process.

Myth 5: Traditional voting files are better than EVM.

Fact: EVM is far superior to traditional voting files in a number of ways:

• Speed: EVMS significantly reduces the time required to count votes, allowing for faster declaration of results.
• Accuracy: These machines eliminate the possibility of human error common in manual vote counting.
• Transparency: Features like VVPAT make the voting process more transparent and accountable.
• Reduce costs: EVMS reduces expenses associated with printing, shipping and storing voting documents.
• Environmentally Friendly: By eliminating the need for paper voting, EVM promotes environmental protection by reducing paper usage.

Read | What is the difference between Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) and Ballot Paper?

Take additional steps to ensure EVM security

To further enhance confidence in the EVM, the Election Commission of India has put in place multiple safeguards, including:

• Randomization: EVMs are randomly assigned to polling stations, making their location impossible to predict in advance.
• Independent Testing: EVM is rigorously tested by independent technical experts and representatives before each election.
• Physical Sealing: Once tested, the EVM is physically sealed and monitored to prevent tampering.
• Mock Poll: On election day, a mock poll is conducted in the presence of voting agents to verify the functionality of the machine.

All in all, National Voter’s Day serves as a reminder of the power of democracy and the importance of everyone’s vote. It highlighted the various provisions laid down by the Election Commission of India to ensure inclusivity and accessibility during the electoral process. Let us celebrate this National Voters Day by committing to exercise our right to vote responsibly and encourage others to do the same.

Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion