New Delhi [India], January 25 : India observes National Voters' Day on January 25 each year to celebrate democracy and empower every citizen to take part in the electoral process. The day marks the foundation of the Election Commission of India (ECI), which was established on January 25, 1950, under Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, according to an official release.
As per a release, the ECI is a pivotal constitutional authority responsible for the control, supervision, and conduct of elections in the world's largest democracy. It has conducted 18 general elections and over 400 State Legislative Assembly elections to date.
The Commission also oversees elections to the Rajya Sabha, State Legislative Councils (wherever they exist), the Union Territories of Puducherry and the National Capital Territory of Delhi, as well as the esteemed offices of the President and Vice President of India. It is a multi-member body comprising the Chief Election Commissioner and two other Election Commissioners.
According to ECI, the theme of this year's event is "My India, My Vote" and the tagline is "Citizen at the Heart of Indian Democracy". ECI said that President Droupadi Murmu will preside over the function as the Chief Guest.
Other prominent attendees, such as Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, will lead the event. Additionally, Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge) Arjun Ram Meghwal will serve as the Guest of Honour, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi will also attend the event.
The main event of NVD is held in New Delhi. As per the ECI, the convention includes the President addressing the event and presenting Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC) to newly enrolled young electors and honouring electoral officers for their phenomenal work.
The President also presents the Best Electoral Practices Awards in various categories, which include the effective use of technology, election management and logistics, innovative voter awareness, implementation and enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, and training and capacity building, as well as other special awards and recognition for the media.
These awards recognise their distinguished contribution to electoral management. Civil service organisations are also honoured for their work.
The ECI further stated that the function will witness the launch of two publications: '2025: A Year of Initiatives and Innovations' and 'Chunav Ka Parv, Bihar Ka Garv', a publication on the successful conduct of General Elections in Bihar.
A video reflecting the Commission's global leadership in electoral management and democratic development will also be screened on the occasion.
Additionally, a dedicated exhibition will showcase various aspects of the elections, including the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of polls. The exhibition will also highlight recent initiatives taken for the benefit of voters and the successful conduct of the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections in 2025.
Talking about the significance of NVD, voters' participation in the democratic and electoral processes is integral to the successful running of any democracy. It is the very basis of wholesome democratic elections, as per a release.
In India, ECI ensures that every eligible Indian is on the Electoral Roll. It must also work to get everyone on the roll to voluntarily vote. NVD helps fulfil this constitutional responsibility. It creates awareness about voter registration and participation. The day encourages eligible citizens to enrol and exercise their democratic right to vote. The day is dedicated to all voters of the nation. Enrolment of new voters is a key focus of this celebration. Across India, new voters are honoured on this day.
NVD is being celebrated across the country at around 11 lakh polling booths, at the district level by District Election Officers (DEO) and at the state level by Chief Electoral Officers (CEO). The Booth Level Officers (BLOs) organize event at each polling station area and felicitate newly registered voters.
In order to reach out to the masses, the ECI initiated the practice of celebrating NVD on its Foundation Day, i.e., January 25 in 2011. It is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country, accompanied by a series of outreach measures such as symposia, cycle rallies, human chains, folk art programmes, mini-marathons, competitions, and awareness seminars. Most of these activities target young people to build awareness about voting and democracy.
Furthermore, a structured awards programme forms an essential part of NVD, celebrating excellence in electoral management and voter outreach. These awards are presented at both National and State levels during the NVD ceremonies. This year, the awards will recognise the Best Election Districts.
All schools and educational institutions are encouraged to organise special activities. These include debates, discussions, and various competitions. Students can take part in drawing, skits, songs, painting, and essay writing. These activities inspire young minds to become responsible voters.
These activities are aligned with the Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) programme to promote informed and inclusive electoral participation.
SVEEP is the flagship program of the Election Commission of India. It focuses on voter education, awareness, and literacy across the country. The program started in 2009. Since then, it has been preparing India's voters with basic knowledge about the electoral process, as per a release.
Moreover, speaking on the eve of the 16th National Voters' Day, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar highlighted the success of the SIR initiative, which aims to create "pure electoral rolls" by including every eligible voter while removing ineligible names from the voter lists.
The SIR exercise has already been successfully completed in Bihar and is currently underway in 12 states and union territories. The Bihar experience proved particularly encouraging, with Kumar noting that "not a single appeal was filed against the final electoral roll, establishing its sanctity and credibility."
Elections conducted following Bihar's SIR proved historic, recording the highest voter turnout since 1951 at 67.13 per cent. Women voters registered an unprecedented participation rate of 71.78 per cent, the CEC said.
The Election Commission celebrated 2025 as a year of significant achievements and innovations. Among the approximately 30 major initiatives undertaken were capacity-building programs that trained more than 5,000 Booth Level Officers and supervisors from various states at the India International Institute of Democracy and Election Management in New Delhi.
Other key initiatives included the launch of the ECINet App, which consolidates all elector services on a single digital platform, the introduction of mobile deposit facilities at polling stations, and a decision to cap the maximum number of electors per polling station at 1,200 for voter convenience.
Kumar also highlighted India's growing global leadership in electoral management. The country has been entrusted with the Chairship of International IDEA, and from January 21-23, the Election Commission organised what it described as the world's largest international conference on election management, attended by heads and senior officials from election bodies in over 70 countries.
In his message, the CEC made a special appeal to young voters, urging them to combat misinformation and disinformation by staying informed about electoral processes. He announced that the Commission will launch a dedicated youth-centric program this year to provide young citizens with a clear understanding of the electoral process.
"The first step in the service of the nation is voting," Kumar said, calling on every citizen who has attained 18 years of age to enrol as an elector and exercise their right to vote.
National Voters' Day stands as a testament to India's commitment to democratic values and inclusive governance. Since its inception in 2011, this annual celebration has evolved into one of the country's most widespread civic events, touching every corner of the nation, according to an official statement.
The theme for 2026 reinforces the message that every vote counts and every citizen has a vital role in its constitutional mandate of ensuring no voter is left behind. With growing electoral participation, increasing women voter enrolment, and expanding infrastructure, India's democratic journey continues to inspire the world, a release said.