Context

• Bihar, with one of the highest out-migration rates in India, is set for elections later this year.
• In the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the state's voter turnout was only 56%, well below the national average of 66%.
• A key reason for this low turnout is the large migrant population, many of whom could not return home to cast their votes.
• In this context, the present article analyses various options to enable migrants—both inter- and intra-State—to exercise their voting rights, highlighting the need for a multi-pronged approach.

Migration Trends and Risk of Voter Disenfranchisement

• As of 2021, India's migration rate stood at 28.9%, with most migrations occurring for marriage, especially among women.
• However, about 10% of migrants relocate for work, a figure notably higher in States like Bihar.
• With rising labour migration from poorer to richer regions, many citizens risk being disenfranchised unless voting mechanisms for migrants are implemented.
• Although public discussions have taken place and the Election Commission of India proposed a concrete solution in 2024, no unified system to ensure voting access for migrants has yet been adopted.
• Distinct strategies are required for different categories of migrants.

Proposed Measures for Intra-State Migrants

• Intra-State migrants—who make up around 85% of the migrant population—could potentially return home to vote if supported adequately.
• Enforce statutory holidays on polling days to allow workers to vote without wage loss.
• Arrange special bus services before and on polling days to facilitate travel to home constituencies.

Mechanisms to Enable Voting Rights for Inter-State Migrants

• Need for Tailored Mechanisms
  • Inter-State migrants, especially those in informal, low-paying jobs, face unique challenges in exercising their voting rights.
  • A one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate; multiple mechanisms must be explored and implemented.
• Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs)
  • Pilot Initiative: In 2023, the ECI introduced Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs), each capable of catering to 72 constituencies.
    • RVMs, developed by BEL and ECIL, enable safe, non-networked remote voting for migrants.
    • It used dynamic ballot displays and barcode-based constituency identification for up to 72 constituencies.
  • Challenges: Political parties raised concerns about lack of transparency, identification issues, and the model code of conduct.
  • Administrative Hurdles: The need to pre-register migrants, assess constituency-wise presence, and deploy RVMs across cities makes scaling difficult—especially in Lok Sabha elections.
  • Despite flaws, RVMs represent a significant first step. With improvements and consultations, they could eventually benefit many migrants.
• Postal Ballots
  • Existing Model: Used for armed forces personnel.
  • Extension to Migrants: Would require pre-registration, ballot issuance, and return mechanisms.
  • Feasibility: Easier to implement than RVMs but still requires major logistical coordination by the ECI.
• Changing Voting Constituency
  • Target Group: Long-term migrants with at least six months of residence.
  • Advantages: Empowers migrants to influence local governance and push for inclusive policies.
  • Concerns: May face resistance from local residents but offers long-term democratic integration of migrants.
• Enrolment of Women Migrants
  • Key Demographic: A large number of women migrate post-marriage.
  • Recommendation: Targeted voter registration drives should be launched to include them in electoral rolls at their new residences.
• A combination of RVMs, postal ballots, constituency-switching, and focused enrolment drives—especially for women—can ensure greater electoral inclusion of India’s vast migrant population.

Conclusion

• Given the diversity among migrants, enabling their voting rights is complex.
• A mixed approach combining multiple mechanisms is essential to ensure broader participation of both inter- and intra-State migrants.