What is the legal age for voting in India?

Answer By law4u team

The legal voting age in India is 18 years. Here are some more details about this voting age: Change in Voting Age: The voting age in India was initially set at 21 years when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950. However, it was later lowered to 18 years through the 61st Amendment Act of 1988. This change was made to empower and involve a larger section of the population in the democratic process. Eligibility to Vote: To be eligible to vote in India, a person must be a citizen of India and have reached the age of 18 or older as of January 1st of the year in which the electoral roll is prepared. The person should also not be disqualified from voting due to certain legal reasons, such as being of unsound mind or being disqualified under specific laws. Electoral Rolls: The electoral rolls, which list eligible voters, are updated periodically by the Election Commission of India. Citizens who turn 18 years old or become eligible to vote for other reasons are encouraged to enroll themselves as voters in their respective constituencies. Importance of Voting: Voting is a fundamental right and a civic duty in a democracy. It allows citizens to have a say in the selection of their representatives and the formation of the government. It is a means of participating in the decision-making process and influencing public policies. Types of Elections: The voting age of 18 is applicable to various elections in India, including: General Elections: To elect members of the Lok Sabha (House of the People), the lower house of India's Parliament. State Legislative Assembly Elections: To elect members of the legislative assemblies in the states and union territories. Local Body Elections: To elect representatives at the municipal, panchayat (village council), and other local levels. Voter ID Cards: Registered voters are issued Voter ID cards, also known as Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPIC). These cards serve as identification when casting votes. Youth Participation: The lowering of the voting age to 18 has been instrumental in encouraging young people to participate in the democratic process. Youth voter registration drives, educational campaigns, and initiatives have been launched to engage and empower young voters in India. It's important for eligible citizens to exercise their right to vote responsibly and participate in the democratic process, as it is a fundamental aspect of a functioning democracy and allows people to have a say in the governance of their country.

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