It is a constitutional right that allows citizens to participate in the formation of the government through voting.
Constitutional Provisions Dealing with the Right to Vote
- Article 326: Mandates that elections to the Lok Sabha (House of the People) and the Legislative Assemblies of every State shall be based on adult suffrage.
- Article 325: No person can be excluded from the electoral roll only on grounds of religion, race, caste, or sex.
- Article 324: Gives the Election Commission of India the power of superintendence, direction, and control over elections.
Who can vote?
- Must be a citizen of India.
- Must be at least 18 years old (61st Amendment Act (1988) – reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years)
- Must be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency where they ordinarily reside.
Who cannot vote?
- Non-citizens
- Unsound mind (declared by the court)
- Disqualified due to: Electoral offences, Corrupt practices
- Prisoners (except preventive detention)
Who gives the Right To Vote?
- The right is granted by the Constitution of India and regulated by Parliament under
- Representation of the People Act, 1950: Deals with the preparation of electoral rolls and the qualification of voters.
- Representation of the People Act, 1951: Deals with the actual conduct of elections and disqualifications.
Source: The Hindu