Context:

·       Bihar, which experiences one of the highest rates of out-migration in India, is preparing for upcoming elections later this year. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the voter turnout in Bihar was just 56%, significantly lower than the national average of 66%.

·       One major cause for this low turnout was the large migrant population who were unable to return home to cast their votes.

·       In light of this, the article explores various options to enable both inter-state and intra-state migrants to exercise their voting rights, emphasizing the necessity of a multi-faceted strategy.

Migration Patterns and Risks of Disenfranchisement:

·       As of 2021, India’s migration rate was 28.9%, with the majority moving due to marriage, especially among women. However, approximately 10% of migrants relocate for employment purposes, with this figure being notably higher in states like Bihar.

·       The growing trend of labour migration from poorer states to wealthier regions poses a significant risk of disenfranchisement for many citizens unless voting mechanisms tailored for migrants are implemented.

·       Although discussions have occurred publicly and the Election Commission of India (ECI) proposed concrete solutions in 2024, a unified system to guarantee migrant voting access has yet to be established. Different types of migrants require distinct strategies.

Proposed Solutions for Intra-State Migrants:
Intra-state migrants, who make up around 85% of the migrant population, could potentially return to their home constituencies to vote if provided with adequate support. Suggested measures include declaring polling days as statutory holidays to ensure workers don’t lose wages when voting and organizing special bus services prior to and on polling days to help migrants travel back to their voting locations.

Mechanisms to Enable Voting for Inter-State Migrants:
Inter-state migrants, particularly those engaged in informal and low-paid jobs, face unique challenges in exercising their voting rights. Hence, a single, uniform approach is inadequate; instead, multiple mechanisms need to be explored and implemented.

• Remote Electronic Voting Machines (RVMs):
  In 2023, the ECI introduced RVMs as a pilot initiative, with each machine capable of serving up to 72 constituencies. These machines, developed by BEL and ECIL, allow migrants to vote remotely in a secure, non-networked manner. They feature dynamic ballots and barcode-based constituency identification. However, political parties raised concerns about transparency, voter identification, and adherence to the model code of conduct. Additionally, administrative challenges such as pre-registration of migrants, constituency-wise presence assessment, and machine deployment across cities complicate large-scale implementation, particularly during Lok Sabha elections. Despite these limitations, RVMs mark a significant initial step and could benefit many migrants with further refinement.
• Postal Ballots:
  Currently used by armed forces personnel, postal ballots could be extended to migrants. This would involve pre-registration of voters, issuing ballots, and establishing systems for their return. While easier to implement than RVMs, this approach still demands significant logistical coordination from the ECI.
• Changing Voting Constituency:
  This option targets long-term migrants who have resided in a new location for at least six months. It empowers them to participate in local governance and advocate for inclusive policies. While there may be resistance from local residents, this method supports the democratic integration of migrants over the long term.
• Enrolment of Women Migrants:
  Many women migrate due to marriage and often remain unenrolled in electoral rolls at their new residences. Targeted voter registration campaigns are recommended to include this key demographic in local electoral lists.

Conclusion:
Due to the diverse nature of migrant populations, enabling their voting rights is a complex issue. A combined approach employing various methods—including RVMs, postal ballots, constituency switching, and focused enrolment efforts for women—is essential to promote broader electoral participation among both inter-state and intra-state migrants.