[Ilugc] [OT] Why should I vote?
- From: binand@xxxxxxxxx (Binand Sethumadhavan)
- Date: Mon May 8 12:00:04 2006
On 08/05/06, Rajagopal Natarajan <rajagopal.n@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
I 've got a passport(universally accepted proof for citizenship), butI'm
unable to vote coz, the ppl invlolved in listing the voters had made some
mistake. Noticing that my name is not there in the list, I had filed the
application to get my name in thrice. But still, after standing in the queue
today, I got to know that my name is still missing from the list. Would they
say that I don't need to pay some tax coz my name had been missed out from
the list? sad that I couldnt exercise my rights on the first opportunity.
You are mistaken.
Your passport only proves your nationality and is basically a travel
document. It does not prove your citizenship (check your passport, it
says only Nationality: Indian). Its main use is outside India, for
entry/exit into countries with whom India has diplomatic relations, to
protect your right of legal protection abroad, and to re-enter India.
Your Indian citizenship goes one step ahead - it allows you to vote in
India. The passport is not enough to prove your right to vote. That is
why we have these voter's ID cards.
Your name is missing from the electoral roll for several reasons:
1. You were not present when the enumerator came to your residence,
and you did not respond to his letter
2. You did not apply for the ID card or go for the photo-taking session
3. You could not prove your residency in a particular constituency
4. You have been disfranchised. :)
Remember that during the poll process, the ECI is grossly overworked;
and hence electoral roll updation will not happen at a very fast pace.
You ideally should have your voter's ID as soon as you turn 18, and
you should also ensure that your name is present in the electoral roll
of your constituency, whenever your residential address changes.
Binand
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