Is the younger generation which is identified as the ‘youth’ of the country reliable enough to become first-time voters in our nation? The answer is, yes! The youth today is more involved and affected by the various bills and laws that are coming into place. They are ready to realize the potential of these legislations and how, if made in the right direction, will make an impact on their future world and circumstances. They identify not only with the majority, or their own social collective, but are also fighting for and talking about things that haven’t entered the thought range of our grownups. Be it transgender rights or our current climatic conditions, the youth of today seem to be the only ones concerned.
However, there is a possibility that they feel underrepresented as the youth tend to be more involved in issue-based politics rather than party-based politics. They feel strongly for a cause but they don’t seem to find an appropriate representation of their values or morals. In this case, it is strongly advised to do thorough research on all the candidates, their agenda, principles and their undertakings. It is also recommended to discuss one’s point of view with adults around, and get to understand their perspectives, political views and opinions, and then subsequently make an informed decision about what one thinks is right. Having a political stand today is not only respected but also makes for one’s social standing. On the other end, identifying as being apolitical just means that one is either uninformed or trying to diffuse one’s responsibility towards one’s own country.
Is our youth experiencing voter apathy?
Fewer and fewer young people, who are eligible to vote, turn up to the voting booths despite being politically active on various social media platforms. They express their dissent among their friends and family, i.e. their inner circle but shy away from doing so in public. One factor at play here might be that the youth is undergoing the effect of diffusion of responsibility. They might be experiencing the bystander effect where each individual is of the opinion that others are better qualified to make certain decisions and actions and hence, the job, essentially, remains undone. They might also be apathetic because they think that the entire voting process is irrational at some level and therefore do not feel the motivation, as their one vote is less likely to swing an election. However, the few who are interested, are put off by a certain politician or a party that they think has the majority support but is very conservative in its policies and campaigns although this might be a case of misinformation as for some of them, the main source of political news is from social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Youth voter turnout
Young people between the age of 18 and 24 constitute about one-fifth of the world’s population and their single vote and involvement in the voting process is more pivotal than it may seem to the common eye. This has been acknowledged by the concerned authorities who are working towards greater involvement of youth in the 2021 elections, which is likely to be held during the month of March-April in Assam. For the upcoming assembly elections, 64% of 6.46 lakh youth who turned 18 this year, are already enrolled in the electoral list in Assam. The election authorities headed by the Chief Electoral Officer of Assam, Nitin Khade, has launched awareness generation activities in colleges of Assam to empower young voters of their civic duties. In an interview, he said that a cent percent of the young voters will be enrolled in the electoral polls before the elections. His word can be trusted, considering that 4 constituencies of Assam namely Dhubri, Barpeta, Kokrajhar and Guwahati bagged the highest voter turnout during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Thoughts of the young citizens
In Guwahati that consists of four constituencies, i.e. Gauhati East, Gauhati West, Jalukbari and Dispur, resides youth who are seemingly aware of the events occurring in these areas. A resident of the Dispur area, upon being asked, mentioned that the parties are keen on targeting the youth for the 2021 polls, through their innovative campaign strategies which lead to more engagement and involvement of the youth. She said, “We are finally feeling like the future is in our hands, and if not now then our city is doomed.”
It is pretty evident how much the youth of India cares for its nation and its future. Upon questioning a 22 year old resident of the Jalukbari constituency about their present MLA and the recent projects that he has undertaken, he enthusiastically said, “Anyone who doesn’t know him or his work can’t possibly be a resident of the city of Guwahati.”
However there also exists a section of the youth who wants nothing to do with politics. “There is no candidate that I would want as my elected representative currently. There is a lack of politicians who are liberal and unselfish in their agenda,” said a young resident of the Gauhati West constituency.
How can young people be encouraged to vote?
Hold discussions and workshops about voting rights and its importance in various schools and colleges.
Socialise them in such a way that they vote, irrespective of whether they identify with any of the candidates, but because they are instilled with a sense of civic responsibility.
Address and acknowledge the issues that they raise and make them understand why it is, or is not, the right way to go.
First time voter checklist
- Get a voter ID card made either online or offline in Assam.
- Take an ID card with you on the day of elections.
- Get an understanding of all the major political parties and their major workings over the years. Vote for the candidate only if their values align with yours.