Reforms in the Indian voting system to increase participation

Abstract

In the recent general and state elections, we have witnessed considerably low voter turnouts in the tune of 55-60% in almost all parts of the country. This report talks about the electoral and voting system of India, followed by a comparative study of the voter turnout in India compared to other countries as well as within the country, across different elections, states and cities. Then, factors responsible for the low voter turnout have been analyzed. Issues have been addressed at both the system as well as individual levels. After analyzing the issues in depth, several reforms have been suggested in order to improve the voter turnout numbers. These reforms include changes in the way electoral rolls are handled; overcoming voter apathy; increasing the convenience of voters and better information dissemination. Further, a special focus has been given to Graduate Constituencies and the issues plaguing them. These issues have been analyzed in depth and suitable reforms have been suggested for the same. The dismal number of graduate registrations and voting for graduate constituencies show that there is something fundamentally wrong with the system, either in terms of registration or in terms of information dissemination. Finally, the various initiatives of the non-government organization, Janaagraha, have been studied. An in-depth interview was conducted with Ms. Uthara Narayanan, Programme Manager, B.E.S.T. at Janaagraha, who is involved in a pilot project to address issues related to electoral rolls in Shanthi Nagar constituency in Bangalore. The findings have been summarized in the report.