Exercise your franchise without any pressure

In a democratic system, the voters are said to be the kingmakers. However, they have to be financially and physically independent to cast their votes without any fear or influence. Equal opportunities and equal access to everything is possible only by electing the right political party as only a good government can create policies for the development of its voters. 

Ishita Sharma

The game changers 

In a country like India, high population could be used as a game changing tool by forming great government by motivating the youth to participate in voting and spreading awareness about the right to vote. Even one vote can make a great difference. Every voter should cast his or her vote in the right manner, to the right person and without any pressure. 

Jyoti 

Part of decision-making process

In any democracy, citizens vote for the candidate whom they think is best suited to represent them and be a part of the decision making process, whether they are in the government or in the Opposition. The voter should, therefore, vote for an honest and upright candidate irrespective of their caste, religion or party. 

Dr Ashwani K Malhotra

Responsible for country’s development

India is one of the largest representative democracies of the world. Voters elect their representatives and invest their trust in them to make laws and policies on their behalf. These laws and policies ultimately shape the future of the nation. If a voter chooses a right representative, the country will grow economically and socially. But if a representative makes policies that are not aligned with the wishes of people and is unable to work selflessly for the growth of the country, then the impact can be destructive. Voters should scrutinise the candidates before giving their precious vote. The country's development is the responsibility of every citizen.

Akanksha Attri, Sham Nagar

Voters select leaders

Voting is at the heart of a democracy. As long as people are given the chance to vote, to choose their representative and their stance on social and political issues, democracy is working. That is why, it is important to make sure that every eligible voter is registered. A society that makes voting hard for people is a pretentious democracy. If a person doesn't vote in an election, he/she loses the right to complain about the elected officials. They are allowing other people to choose their leaders. Elected officials make decisions regarding issues that impact a person's life. People should vote so they can have a say about who their elected officials will be. A government which is truly democratic makes sure that its laws do not discriminate nor discourage people from voting.

Shubhangi sofat

Voting is at the heart of democracy 

In a democratic system, the voters are envisaged to be the kingmakers. As long as people are given the chance to vote, to choose their representatives, and their stance on social and political issues, democracy is working. Voters are a key part of democracy. People should accept voting not only as a right but also a responsibility. Accept responsibility for doing your homework and be as informed as you possibly can. 

KRITIKA BHALLA 

Have a say in country’s future

Exercising the right to vote is essential to being a good citizen. The outcomes of an election can impact voters' personal freedom, taxes and other aspects of daily life - which they often take for granted. Because of the far-reaching impact an election can have, people have the duty to cast their vote if they want a say in their future. 

Khushboo Single

Lifeblood of democracy

Voters are the lifeblood for any democracy. It is the duty of the government to fulfil the needs of the citizens. There is no democracy without the engagement of citizens. 

Pooja Goswami, Haibowal

Voting makes everyone important

We all should realise the power of voting. It is this fundamental right that makes every voter special. We should not get lured by false promises and other offerings by politcal leaders, but vote for the truth.

Usha Chaudhry

Foundation of politics

Voting is a part and parcel of every democracy. It is a fundamental right of any citizen which enables him or her to choose the leader. Many people do not vote, believing that one vote will not make a change. But as a matter of fact, it does. A nation's political foundations are built on elections. Our problems - corruption, unemployment, illiteracy, increasing crime rate, terrorism, poverty - can only be controlled if we vote for the right person. A democratic government can only work if we vote. Voting is actually the hallmark of democracy, equality and representation. 

Dr Jasdeep Kaur 

Democracy will paralyse without voters

Put up posters and signs because it is voting time. Get yourself registered, as voting is a privilege which is gained after fighting. Voting is a voter's voice and strength. Without a voter, democracy is paralysed. 

Vincy Trehan

Soul of democracy

During his presidency, Abraham Lincoln preached the importance of the government being of, for and by the people. He argued that voters played a vital role in making sure the government reflected their desires and functioned according to the guidelines of the Constitution. Thus, a voter is the soul of democracy and can play a decisive role in a country's development. Selecting a good leader is the responsibility of voters.

KAMALDEEP KAUR

Guide fate of country 

Voters are an essential component in any democracy as the onus to elect capable representatives lies on them. They possess the power of changing the government. Hence, they guide the fate of the country through their elected representatives. It is voters who determine which type of political party or persons should lead the country. Voting is a right which should be exercised by all.

Dr G Dev

Voter is the supreme power in democracy

In a democracy, voters are the kings in the garb of common people. They are the ones responsible for the creation of the government. Voters are the supreme power in a democracy.

Vidit Goyal

Voters are backbone of democracy 

Democracy means rule by the people or it is a system of government where citizens exercise power by voting. On January 25, India celebrated National Voter's Day. The aim of the day is to increase the participation of voters, because voters are the backbone of a democratic country. Even on April 17, 1999, the BJP coalition government failed to win a confidential vote in the Lok Sabha by a single vote due to the withdrawal of one of the government coalition partners. Voters should be aware and educated. If they are literate, they can make or mar the future of a country. 

Manraj Kaur

Democracy can collapse

The Indian democracy is successful only because of voters. If citizens don't vote, our democracy will collapse. Whenever the voter turnout is low, there are several analysis to find the reason behind it and and how to improve it. 

Kirti 

Voting a weapon

Voting is a process which keeps a nation's system working. It enables the citizens to choose their own government. It is crucial to activating the democratic process. We all must cast our vote and also inspire others to cast their votes because voting is the weapon which can help solve our problems and can bring a great revolution in the country.

Deepnayan Kaur

Power to mould future

Voting is the fundamental right of the citizens of any democratic country. Voting gives them a voice. A democracy functions through the voting procedure and gives citizens the power to mould the future of the country.

SHIVANI AGGARWAL, Badewal road 

Standing for our belief 

Voting is a method by which the citizens appoint their own representatives. Voting is giving voice to your rights and demands by registering your opinion on how you think the government should function. Every single vote has its own value as it gives an opportunity to stand for what we believe in. One vote is enough to make a difference. 

Kuljot kaur

Taking the country forward

Voters play a vital role in a democracy, but it is ironical that in the Indian democracy, citizens do not know the worth of their votes. They sell/divert their votes without realising that every single vote has the power to create government. We should not cast vote on the basis of caste, religion or region of the candidate, rather vote for someone who will work wholeheartedly for the welfare of public. The amount of social work done by a candidate should be kept in mind while voting, along with his educational background. A voter must remember that his vote is responsible for taking the country forward and a wrong government will drag the country backward.

Bir Devinder Singh Bedi 

Indispensable element

Voters of a country are considered to be the most indispensable element because they are responsible for the government formation. It is entirely in our hands to create a robust government. Even a single vote can make a huge difference. To vote is the least we could do for the country’s welfare. 

Ishita Katyal

Deciding country's progress

The role of voters in a democracy like India is very important. Each voter must be given his/ her rights. He must ask for provision of basic needs such as roads, street lights, proper sewerage system and proper cleanliness. He must ask politicians to show their manifesto. Before casting votes, you should know if a candidate is working for the benefit of the poor and farmers, as votes decide whether a country will progress.

Farzana Khan

Essential to country's success

The success of a democracy depends on the voter turnout. They ought to ensure accountability of their representatives. They must not let the ruling party forget the promises made, especially the agenda mentioned in the party manifesto. Further, it is incumbent upon each voter (or for any citizen) to be fully aware about policies in their region/nation and not let themselves be swayed by inaccurate information. They must rise above narrow considerations of caste, religion, creed and money while exercising their right to franchise.

Rohit Singh Bedi, Civil Lines

Democracy’s foundation stone is laid

The authority of government is proportional to the will of voters, who have a collective right to choose their governmental, political and electoral systems. Voters can create a foundation for the working of a country. For democracy to be successful, citizens must become informed about issues which can improve their lives. People should be vigilant about restrictive voting laws, whatever their political affiliations are, because a true democracy is one where every eligible citizen has full access to the electoral process, whatever their social, economic, or political status in life. Further, the role of a voter can't be defined well until a government can't remove barriers to citizen participation. 

RAVI CHANDER GARG, Ludhiana

Choosing the right leaders

Voting is what provides citizens with opportunity and right to voice their opinion and hold their representatives accountable for their behaviour and development works. Many people do not vote thinking that one vote will not make a change, but as a matter of fact, it does. 

Sanjana Bhandari

Save country from wrong hands

Every party which is competing in elections announces various benefits and social reforms for people. Some of these parties might even be deceitful. It is the skill of citizens in deciding which party is better that saves a country from falling into wrong hands. 

Karanpreet kaur 

Passive attitude harmful

Several citizens don't exercise their votes because of their passive attitude towards all parties. Many wrong-doers misuse the unexercised votes for personal benefits. So every voter should come forward and exercise his right to franchise for the benefit of the nation. 

Ritu Priya

Voters are the masters 

Citizens don't understand the value of their votes and get misled by religion, caste and even minor inducement. A voter must trust his ability to form or destroy a democracy. He/she should know that voter is the master, thus, cast his/her vote diligently for electing deserving candidates. 

Major Gurdeep S Samra (Retd)

Voters are heart, soul of democracy 

In a democracy, elections are an opportunity to bring about the changes. A voter is the soul of democracy and everything revolves around him. His task is to choose the lesser evil. The responsibility of voters is to exercise their right to change the government. 

Cheshta Vohra

Shaping govt structure 

Voters play an important role in shaping the government structure and their futures. Voters are the key elements of a democracy. The responsibility of voters is to gain knowledge and information about issues being faced by the country.

Ishu

Gift of democracy 

Voting is the weapon for bringing about changes, not casting one’s vote, when we can, which is shirking from our responsibilty. So, it is in our hands if we want to choose bullets or ballots. We need to choose a leader who will invest in building bridges not walls, books not weapons, morality not corruption, tolerence not discrimination and truth not lies. So, if we can't do anything else for our country, let's at least cast our vote with responsibility and let's unite to bring positive changes in life and to make our future better. 

Mehak Arora, Ludhiana

Voice of democracy

Voters are the voice of democracy. It's the right of every voter to check thoroughly the manifesto of different parties to see if they focus on the over-all development. We should cast our vote keeping in consideration the promises made by representatives of various parties to ensure uplift of the country.

Nitin Sethi

Country is built by its people 

A country is strong when people living in it are stronger. India has a few people who want to serve the country. That is why in a country like ours, a wrong choice could deter the country's development. Voters play a big role as choices made by them are going to predict our future. That's the reason voters should use this privilege for a better future of our country. Voters need to choose a leader who could give a permanent solution to their problems. 

Nimarta Mehrok

Development depends on voters

The development of a country is dependent on people. Exercising their franchise will boost the chances for the development of the state and also provide an overview of how much people are actually aware. 

Harsh Singh Bhola

Responsibility towards country

The right to cast vote plays a vital role in the selection of the kind of government needed by the country to fulfil its requirement. Everyone should utilise this power and do his/ her responsibility towards the nation. 

Smily Verma

Raise concerns

Our freedom fighters have given us an independent India with democracy at its core. Voters must raise voice about their rights and concerns. Voters should hold politicians responsible for not fulfilling the commitment made in their manifesto. We should caste vote only in favour of honest dedicated, disciplined and humble leader.

Mohd Saleem Farooqui 

Making the right choice 

Voters are imperative for the foundation of a democratic country. In the present scenario, the right choice of leaders will shape the voice of the nation. Every individual with a voter ID should cast his/her vote and add to the integrity of democracy by making the right choice. 

Damanpreet Kaur 

Power to ensure development

Democracy and voting are two sides of the same coin. They run hand in hand. Voting plays a major role in shaping the future of the country. It can either develop a country or ruin it. Voters have the power to choose their representatives to ensure development. However, we all know about the strategies and plans that are adopted to win elections - fake voters, news, media and fake promises. Voters should work to bring about the necessary changes by choosing the right leader. 

Harshpreet Suri

NOTA not an answer

The learned middle class citizens need to stand for election, which they are not doing. As a result, the political scenario is in a total mess. Also, NOTA (none of the above) option is not the answer for not giving vote to any person. The only answer is to stand for election.

Meet Bindra

OPEN HOUSE COMMENT
Each vote counts, even NOTA
Minna Zutshi

The right to vote is not a fundamental right, but it lies at the heart of democracy. It is a cherished value of democracy as it inculcates in people a sense of belongingness. The apex court said this was an important judgment in 2018. The Article 326 of the Constitution grants universal adult suffrage. No one, on the grounds of religion, race, caste or sex, can be excluded from adult suffrage. Nor can anyone claim to be included in a special electoral roll on these bases. Unlike many western democracies where universal adult suffrage was ‘incremental and gradual’, in India it was ‘instant’. The Article 326 says: “The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every state shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than 18 (The Constitution Sixty-first Amendment Act 1988 lowered the voting age from 21 to 18) years of age …..and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.” Each vote counts, even NOTA for that matter. Voters elect the political leaders/parties of their choice and also have an important role as agents of change in political sphere. ‘Voting’ is not only a right, but also a duty of the citizens. The citizens owe it to country, to themselves and also to the sacrifices of freedom fighters! 

QUESTION  

What should be done to ensure availability of potable water in schools?

Suggestions in not more than 70 words can be sent to Ludhiana.feedback@gmail.com