About 34 per cent of eligible voters did not exercise their right to vote in the 2024 elections. Class 8
About 34 per cent of eligible voters did not exercise their right to vote in the 2024 elections. Class 8
About 34 per cent of eligible voters did not exercise their right to vote in the 2024 elections. Why do you think this is so? What are some challenges people face in exercising their rights? Design and conduct a short survey among adults in your family and neighbourhood to answer these questions. Analyse the data and write a report with suggestions on how it may be possible to ensure everyone votes. (Page 123) Class 8
Answer:
The 34 percent of eligible voters who did not vote may have faced voter apathy due to a lack of awareness, disinterest in politics or the belief that their vote would not make a difference. Additionally, practical difficulties such as long distances to polling stations, health issues, or lack of proper ID may have also prevented them from voting.
Some challenges that people face in exercising their rights are :
- Physical disabilities or old age.
- Inaccessible polling stations.
- Lack of Voter ID or registration issues.
- Low awareness about voting procedures.
- Poor transportation in remote areas.
- Work or family commitments on voting day.
The survey revealed that many participants faced transportation issues and long wait times at polling booths. Additionally, some lacked sufficient information about candidates and the voting process. Based on this, suggestions include arranging mobile polling booths for remote areas to ensure accessibility, launching awareness campaigns to educate voters and encouraging civic responsibility through community programs.
Extended voting hours and providing better transportation options would also help increase voter participation. Making polling stations more accessible to people with disabilities would further ensure that everyone has the opportunity to vote.