The real reason behind the low voting percentage in India is primarily due to the significant travel expenses incurred by voters who have migrated to other states for jobs, education, or lifestyle reasons.
Many of these individuals express willingness to vote but are pulled back by the high cost of traveling back to their hometowns to cast their votes.
Currently, many people find it financially prohibitive to spend large sums, sometimes up to 5000 rupees for bus fares, just to travel back home and exercise their right to vote.
The migration of individuals to urban centers for better opportunities worsens this issue, as they are often far away from their registered voting locations.
Consequently, despite their desire to participate in the democratic process, they are effectively disenfranchised due to the financial barriers associated with traveling back home to vote.
There is a need for action to reduce the financial burden on voters, particularly in terms of traveling ticket fares during the election period.
The government should pass rules to make sure travel companies don’t charge too much during election time, so everyone can afford to travel to their hometowns and cast their vote.
