According to statistics released by the Election Commission after the announcement of Lok Sabha poll dates, only a little over 1.8 crore new voters in the 18 and 19-year-old bracket have been included in the electoral rolls. This figure is considerably lower than the projected population size of this demographic, which stands at just under 4.9 crore. It appears that the country’s youngest eligible voters are displaying a concerning lack of interest in participating in the democratic process. It seems not every youth is inclined to cast the ballot. Call it apathy, ignorance, or disenchantment, but a major chunk of our young population has lost trust in the political process.
To galvanise youngsters to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, the Election Commission of India has embarked on an innovative journey to engage them through unique campaigns like “Turning 18” and “You are the One” on social media platforms. “Turning 18” specifically targets young and first-time voters to address the issues of urban and youth apathy noticed in previous elections. By emphasising the significance of voting immediately upon turning 18, the campaign seeks to inspire a sense of civic responsibility among young voters.
With widespread amplification facilitated by state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and the national public broadcasters, DD News and Akashvani, the campaign’s message, disseminated across diverse segments of society, generated significant momentum for the forthcoming poll days. Along similar lines, the poll panel launched another campaign titled “You Are The One” to recognise and celebrate the invaluable contributions of various stakeholders involved in the electoral process, including Booth Level Officers (BLOs), ground staff, polling parties, administrative personnel, media professionals, central forces, and security personnel.
The main objective of the initiatives of the Election Commission of India is to increase enrollment of voters, especially of the newly eligible ones, so as to make universal adult suffrage a reality and thereby enhance the quality of electoral democracy in India. It also aims at motivating them to vote. In a democracy elections belong to people. Every vote counts. Every vote matters. Enhancing participation of different categories of voters, especially the vulnerable ones, is key to free, fair, transparent, inclusive and accessible elections. If people want to be a responsible citizen, then it’s their duty to cast their vote during any elections.
Voting is a process by which people select their representatives who will be their voice in the government. It is through votes that people decide who will form the next government. During elections, every vote that people cast matters, so it’s essential that people take up the responsibility of casting their votes seriously. A series of money-laundering and corruption scandals have left the people alienated and bitter. There’s a sense of despair among the youth. However, there should be absolutely no reason to hold the voters back. The situation will only worsen if voters abstain from voting.
