The recent elections have seen Narendra Modi re-elected for a third term, thanks to the dedication of the Election Commission of India (ECI).
While the ECI has managed one of the world’s most complex elections fairly, there’s still much to be done to improve voter turnout and accessibility.
Current Voting Challenges:
- Voter ID issues
- Lack of polling awareness
- Long queues and extreme weather
- Health concerns or caretaking duties
- Vacations and business travel
- Migrant voters unable to cast their votes
A Personal Experience:
Despite having my polling slip and voter ID stored in DigiLocker, I faced hurdles at the polling station as I wasn’t allowed to carry my phone inside. This led to a frustrating experience, having to convince officers to accept digital documents after initially being denied. This scenario highlights a critical area for improvement.
Suggestions for the ECI:
1️⃣ Allow Phones at Polling Stations: In the digital era, phones should be allowed with restrictions like airplane mode.
2️⃣ Accept Digital Documents: DigiLocker-stored documents should be officially accepted as ID proofs.
3️⃣ Aadhaar-Authenticated Voting: Facilitate voting for migrants and travelers using Aadhaar authentication.
4️⃣ Home Voting for the Elderly: Implement a system for electoral volunteers to assist elderly voters at home, using video proof and AI for validation.
5️⃣ Blockchain for Voting Integrity: Utilize blockchain to ensure data integrity and trust.
6️⃣ Alternative Polling Methods: Consider new methods akin to ballot papers for specific demographics like the army and public officers.
Implementing these suggestions isn’t easy and will spark debates, especially around blockchain-based voting and Aadhaar authentication. However, discussing these changes is crucial for a better, more inclusive voting future.
Conclusion:
India’s election infrastructure is commendable, but for a nation of 140 billion, we can and must do better to ensure higher voter participation.
Jai Hind!
