NO
No compulsion
Universal adult franchise is an opportunity, not a compulsion.
Whether one casts one’s vote or not is a matter of choice.
Ritika Bhakat
First year, MA, University of Calcutta, Calcutta
Unhappy options
Not casting your vote may even be an expression of one’s dissatisfaction with the available options. In a democratic society, individuals have the right to choose whether to participate in the electoral process.
Saumili Mukherjji
Class XII, Auxilium Convent School, Bandel
Impractical idea
It’s not morally right to put pressure on a voter to cast their vote, it should be solely the voter’s choice. Mandatory voting is an “impractical idea” and against democratic norms.
Adrija Mondal
Class XII, Kalyani Central Model School, Kalyani
NOTA awareness
Some people are unwilling to cast their votes as they see it as a form of protest against the corrupt, dirty politics in India. Many of them may not know about NOTA which is the the constitutional provision active since 2013. NOTA encourages voters to express their dissatisfaction with the government.
Shreyashree Maity
Class X, DAV Public School, Midnapore
YES
Democracy diktat
Voting is the foremost way of exercising one’s democratic powers. The voting system is the ultimate democratic act. And any unwillingness to vote is the mark of an extremely irresponsible citizen.
Baibhab Paul
Class X, St. Xavier’s School, Alipurduar
Every vote matters
Bad officials are elected by good citizens who don’t vote, said American drama critic George Jean Nathan. Not casting your vote may not be a crime in the legal sense of the the term, but it is a travesty of democracy.
Ahona Sanyal
Class XI, Sarat Kumari Girls’ High School, Santipur
Citizen’s duty
Voting is not only our right but also our duty. Every vote goes towards securing our present and also towards building the future of our country.
Angona Mallick
Class VII, Krishnagar Academy, Krishnanagar