Ensuring voting rights for India’s migrant population

Source: The post Ensuring voting rights for India’s migrant population has been created, based on the article “Enabling voting rights for migrants” published in “The Hindu ” on 26th June 2025

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.  

Context: Bihar faces low voter turnout due to a large migrant population unable to vote from distant workplaces. Despite the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) proposals, no mechanism has been implemented, disenfranchising many migrants during elections.

For detailed information on Election Commission’s initiative to enfranchise migrant voters is a step in the right direction read this article here

Migration and Voter Disenfranchisement

1. Extent of Migration: In India, 28.9% of the population migrated in 2021, mostly for marriage and work. Bihar has one of the highest rates of work-related migration. This trend significantly contributes to voter disenfranchisement in the state. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Bihar’s voter turnout was only 56%, far below the national average of 66%.
2. Impact on Bihar: Over half of Bihar’s households experience migration. Migrants often relocate to richer states in search of jobs and cannot return during elections, leading to low participation. Without tailored mechanisms to include them in the voting process, their electoral voice remains unheard.
3. Election Commission Initiatives: In 2024, the ECI proposed solutions to enable remote voting for migrants. Although public discussions were held and ideas floated, including remote voting machines, no concrete implementation followed. This has prolonged the exclusion of migrant voters.

Voting Solutions for Intra-State Migrants

1. Encouraging Short-Distance Travel: Around 85% of migrants move within the same state. These intra-State migrants could return to vote if provided reasonable support. Since the distances are shorter, the challenge is more manageable.
2. Government Support Mechanisms: The government can ease voting access by enforcing statutory holidays on polling day, preventing wage loss for informal workers. Additionally, organizing special bus services before and on polling day could make return travel feasible and affordable.

Challenges for Inter-State Migrants

1. Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs): The ECI tested RVMs in 2023. These machines could allow voting across 72 constituencies, offering a solution for migrants without permanent residence. However, political objections emerged over its feasibility, voter identification, and compliance with election codes. Logistical issues, like organizing multiple RVMs in cities hosting migrants from many constituencies, make implementation difficult.
2. Postal Ballot System: The ECI could extend the postal ballot system currently used by armed forces to migrants. Though easier to implement than RVMs, it would require early registration, timely distribution, and secure collection of ballots. The scale of operation still presents significant administrative demands.

Long-Term Solutions for Permanent Migrants

1. Switching Voting Constituencies: Migrants who stay in a place for at least six months should be allowed to shift their voting constituency. This would enhance their political participation and enable them to influence local governance that directly affects their lives.
2. Encouraging Voter Registration: Special registration drives should focus on enrolling long-term migrants and married women who change residence. Including them in local electoral rolls would increase overall voter turnout and strengthen democratic inclusion.
3. Combined Approach for Effective Results: Each solution has its merits and limitations. Migrants are a diverse group with varied needs. A multi-pronged strategy—combining RVMs, postal ballots, constituency switching, and supportive voter registration drives—offers the best chance to reduce disenfranchisement. Such an inclusive system would empower millions of migrant workers across India to participate in elections effectively.

Question for practice:

Question Discuss how a multi-pronged approach can help ensure voting rights for India’s migrant population.