Is Voting rights to illiterates – illogical?

October 26, 2023October 27, 2023 Tietler

Making an assumption that illiteracy equals inability to make a wise choice or decide is erroneous. Based on equality, one person one vote is an inviolable tenet. Some of the older democracies like the United States of America and United Kingdom did not have this system and women and / or non-white people were excluded in the initial years.

There is a big difference between ‘Being literate’ and ‘Being educated’. Illiterate people are not necessarily uneducated.

Education comes from moral values and ideals, common sense and sensibility and is enhanced by the ability to read and write which empowers the person to express her/his opinions in the print media. So, saying that an illiterate person does not posses the knowledge and credibility to decide and vote a representative of their own choice is a completely baseless statement.

A well informed illiterate person who is updated on the latest news with the help of the Radio cannot be considered uneducated. In fact, she/he is more educated than a few literate ministers with bachelor’s degrees. Therefore I feel illiterate people should not be deprived of the right to vote. Since by doing this, we violate the fundamental right of Universal Adult Franchise which has been given by the Constitution.

The question of whether voting rights should be extended to illiterates is a matter of debate and opinion. The answer may depend on various factors and perspectives.

Voting rights to illiterate never be illogical because

Voting to all confirms:

Inclusivity and Equality: Denying voting rights to illiterates may be seen as a form of discrimination or exclusion. It goes against the principles of equality and inclusivity, which are fundamental in a democratic society.
Universal Suffrage: Many democratic societies adhere to the principle of universal suffrage, which means that all citizens, regardless of their level of education, have the right to vote. This is considered a cornerstone of a fair and just democracy.
Knowledge is Not the Sole Indicator: Literacy is not always an accurate indicator of a person’s ability to make informed decisions about their preferred political candidates or issues. People can be well-informed through other means, such as discussions, debates, and personal experiences.
Potential for Change: Denying illiterates the right to vote can perpetuate a cycle of disenfranchisement. Allowing them to vote could empower them to seek education and become more informed citizens.

Coalition politics in India

Voting rights to illiterate is illogical because:

Informed Decision-Making: Literacy is typically associated with the ability to read, write, and access information. Proponents might argue that requiring literacy as a condition for voting ensures that individuals can make more informed decisions about political candidates and issues. They may be better equipped to research, analyze, and understand complex policy matters.
Critical Thinking: Literate individuals may have developed critical thinking skills through their education, enabling them to evaluate political statements and proposals more effectively. This, in turn, could lead to more reasoned and rational voting decisions.
Reduced Vulnerability to Manipulation: Literate individuals may be less susceptible to emotional manipulation or misleading political propaganda. They might have the capacity to assess the credibility of sources and information, reducing the risk of being influenced by falsehoods.
Effective Participation: Literacy is often associated with active civic engagement. Proponents might argue that those who have invested in their education are more likely to be active participants in the democratic process, attending public meetings, engaging in debates, and contributing positively to their communities.
Fiscal Responsibility: Some may argue that literate voters are more likely to understand the economic implications of policy decisions and, therefore, make choices that promote fiscal responsibility and economic stability.

It’s important to emphasize that advocating for literacy as a prerequisite for voting is a highly controversial stance, as it could be perceived as discriminatory and exclusionary. Modern democratic principles often prioritize universal suffrage to ensure that all eligible citizens have a say in the governance of their country, regardless of their educational background. In practice, many democratic societies have moved away from literacy requirements for voting in favor of more inclusive and egalitarian approaches.

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