My first vote
ASIYA ISLAM
I live in Aligarh. On the May 7, 2009, I cast my first vote. It was a hot day when I, with my parents, set out to become a responsible citizen of a democratic nation. I learnt quite a few things then.
I had my Voter ID with me. But this doesn’t give you a direct right to vote. At the booth we were told to collect our slips at the gate. These slips are actually distributed by party workers perched outside each booth, so the process is actually unofficial. The policemen on duty informed me that it is not the government’s duty. So not wanting to start the day with a scuffle, I tried searching for my name in the numerous reams of papers that the workers had, only to discover that this is not the booth I am supposed to vote at.
This time around, we drove to the second booth. where the list of voters is apparently not systematically arranged which obviously makes the process of finding your name in the extensive list tedious. We scanned three more booths before finally deciding to give up, realising that India has really not bothered to ensure effective delivery of its citizens’ Fundamental Right. On our way back, some familiar shopkeepers took a look at our I-cards and deciphered the centre we were supposed to vote at.
We decided to take one last chance. We managed to get the much sought-after slips, and they just contained some of the details which are also printed on our Voter I-cards, name, father’s/husband’s name and a number. There is really no need for the slips. The number on our I-card contains our list number and a personal number which is enough to locate us. I can now show off the indelible mark as a mark of being a conscious citizen!
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