Voters have given a thumbs-down to the proposal of mandatory voting, they want easy registration norms
The low turnout this year was surprising. The candlelight marches and various protests at Gateway of India, post the 26/11 Mumbai attacks seem like a farce now. Henceforth we cannot blame the government if we have a grievance, we have to realise that the blame lies with us. Voting shouldn’t be compulsory, but people themselves need to realise the importance of voting.
—Hemal Rajgor
Voting should not be made compulsory. It is a right, bestowed to us by the constitution, because we are part of a democracy. Making voting compulsory is ironical. Democracy is based on the fundamental of liberty and that stands violated when people are forced to exercise their right. I don't think it is correct to make voting compulsory.
—Ami Mishra
Lots of newspapers and television channels have blamed Mumbaikars for the low voting turnout this year. At many locations across the city, people wanted to vote but they were disappointed because of some discrepancy, they could not vote. Hence voting should be made compulsory, if we have to shake the lackadaisical attitude.
—Sanjeev Sharma
We waited for five years to decide our fate for the next five years. But still there was a low voter turnout. Hence according to me, the best option would be to make voting compulsory. There was tremendous awareness about the 49/0 option where a person has a choice not to vote for any of the candidates, but the polling staff was unaware about it. I too, wanted to opt for the 49/0 option but when I asked for the form, the polling officals had no clue about the procedure.
—Devam Prasad
It is appaling that the voting percentage was only 42% in Mumbai, despite the widespread hatred prevalent after 26/11. In such a scenario, voting should be made compulsory as people still don't seem to realise the importance of voting in a democracy. One vote does make a lot of difference. At the same time, the entire registration procedure needs to be more people-friendly.
—Remi Punamiya
Firstly in a democratic country like India, you cannot make voting mandatory. Secondly the candidates in the fray should have some standing and be worthy of my vote. I don't think it makes much sense to vote for independent candidates, as the Indian political system is bipolar. I would blame the whole registration process, because it restrained many from casting their vote.
—Meghna Shah
Yes, I think voting in India must be made compulsory. This is because people don't understand the importance of voting and then they criticise the functioning of the government, when all they could have done was at least voted. So at least, if voting is made compulsory, we will come close to a representative government.
—Anuja Zachariah
