“Missing voters”- ‘Missing Voters’: Forgotten, Not Gone

Source: The post “missing voters” has been created, based on the article “‘Missing Voters’: Forgotten, Not Gone” published in “Times of India” on 9th March 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- polity-Salient feature of Representation of People Act

News: This article discusses how many voters, mainly young, single male migrants in cities, don’t vote because their addresses don’t match their current homes. The Election Commission’s plan to use remote voting machines could help them vote, impacting future politics and party strategies.

For information on steps taken by ECI to ensure voting rights for migrants read here

Who are the “missing voters”?

The “missing voters” are primarily young, single male migrants in urban areas, who are unable to vote because their addresses on electoral rolls don’t match their current living places. Often residing in slums and constantly moving for work, these voters, typically aged between 16 and 30, slip through the voting net. For example, in cities like Delhi and Bengaluru, a significant number of these migrants are unmarried men who have moved for employment opportunities.

What impact could their voting have?

Increased Voter Turnout: Allowing these ‘missing voters’ to participate could raise the voter turnout significantly, potentially up to 30% more, broadening democratic participation.

Shift in Political Focus: Their unique concerns and backgrounds would force political parties to recalibrate their manifestos, focusing on different issues like urban employment and migration-related challenges.

Influence on Long-term Strategies: The sudden inclusion of young, urban, mostly single, and male voters would lead parties to adapt their long-term election strategies to appeal to these new demographics.

Demand for Specific Policies: These voters would likely push for policies that address job security and skill development, reflecting their needs as transient workers.

What changes might political parties make?

Focus on Job Security and Skills: Political parties may prioritize policies for job security and skill enhancement, addressing the needs of the transient workforce.

Address Urban Worker Issues: With the inclusion of migrant workers as voters, parties might focus more on urban employment challenges.

Consider Rural Demands: As men leave villages for city jobs, women’s rising role in agriculture might lead parties to address rural needs and women farmers’ concerns.

Support for Small-scale Enterprise: Parties might focus on small-scale enterprises, as women are increasingly active in this sector and their political interests grow.

Way forward

To address the issue of ‘missing voters’, the Election Commission’s plan to use remote electronic machines is crucial. This will enable migrant workers to vote, thereby ensuring a more inclusive and representative democratic process.

Question for practice:

Examine how the implementation of remote electronic voting machines by the Election Commission could address the issue of ‘missing voters’?