Article 326 and adult suffrage
In one line: Article 326 says elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies are held on adult suffrage: every citizen aged 18 or more who is not disqualified by law may vote.
The rule
Article 326 gives the vote to every person who is a citizen of India and not less than 18 years of age on the date fixed by law, unless disqualified on grounds such as non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime, or corrupt or illegal practice. The original text set the age at 21; the Constitution (61st Amendment) Act, 1988 lowered it to 18.
Why it matters here
Because the vote belongs only to citizens, an electoral roll has to test citizenship, not just identity. That is why the SIR asks for documents and why the op-ed on Aadhaar proposes sending doubtful cases to the Ministry of Home Affairs, which handles citizenship. The same point was examined by UPSC in 2026: whether the Election Commission can itself examine voters' citizenship while revising rolls.
Where to go next
- Section 9 of the Aadhaar Act, 2016
- Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls
Article 326 and adult suffrage in the news
- EC orders Special Summary Revision of voter rolls in 17 States and UTs ahead of 2027 polls 16 October 2026
Who is entitled to be on the roll.
- Op-ed: After the SIR, use Aadhaar to keep voter rolls clean 15 September 2026
Who is entitled to vote, and why the roll must test citizenship.
Previous-year questions on this
- 2026 · GS2 · 10 marks Is the right to vote a fundamental right? Discuss the position of the Election Commission of India while undertaking the revision of electoral rolls. Can it also examine the question of citizenship…
- 2022 · GS2 · 10 marks Reforming the government delivery system through the Direct Benefit Transfer Scheme is a progressive step, but it has its limitations too. Comment.
- 2017 · GS2 · 15 marks To enhance the quality of democracy in India the Election Commission of India has proposed electoral reforms in 2016. What are the suggested reforms and how far are they significant to make…
- 2017 · Prelims Consider the following statements: 1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body. 2. Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general…