First-time voters want to have last word

Students from colleges across the city on their date with democracy

April 23, 2014 06:50 pm | Updated May 21, 2016 01:01 pm IST - chennai:

A group of first-time voters. Photo: R. Ravindran

A group of first-time voters. Photo: R. Ravindran

“Tell me,” he says, lowering his voice. “When I enter the booth, where can I find the symbol of the party I want to vote for? Will there be separate buttons for various symbols?” G. Stalin looks at me expectantly for an answer. The 18-year-old student of Pachaiyappa’s will be voting for the first time today and is excited. Voting is our constitutional right; but for a first-time voter, it is much more. They have been waiting for this day ever since they turned 18.

There’s the drama that surrounds the voting process: long queues and conversations in hushed tones; screeching tyres of cars on election duty; stern-looking Government officials who usher you into the polling booths; the inking of the index finger… the first-time voter looks forward to all this. “I feel proud to be able to cast my vote; I feel grown-up,” says K. Loganathan, a first-time voter. “With my voter ID, I can apply for a driver’s licence and a SIM card,” adds his friend R.V. Vijay.

Many of them have done their research and have their expectations cut-out for the new Government. Loganathan wants a Prime Minister who will pay attention to basic necessities such as clean drinking water and good roads. Stalin wishes that the new Government will “provide homes for the homeless.”

S. Krithika, a student of M.O.P. Vaishnav College for Women, hopes for a Prime Minister who will “look at the nation as one family.” He/she should be a driven individual and act in the interest of the country at all times. “We want a PM we can look up to. The post should not be seen as a money-making one,” she adds.

Aparna D.C., also a first-time voter, wants a Government headed by a Prime Minister who has “strong opinions and good ideas”. Aparna is not happy with pre-election debates. “I’m disappointed with the way they were carried out. There were no proper discussions on serious issues; rather blame games.”

While many first-time voters are well-aware of the present political atmosphere, some are disinterested. Eighteen-year-old M. Nishita says she would rather not vote. “I’m voting this time because of my father’s compulsion,” she says. “I want to take a photo with my voter ID,” smiles B. Sneha. “I will vote for the candidate my family votes.”

Though she is excited, G. Bhavika is “not very sure” regarding whom she will vote for. But as someone who takes public transport to college everyday, she wishes that the new Prime Minister will come up with laws to deal with sexual harassment women face.

Mitali Jain, a student of journalism, who will be casting her vote for the first time, is for a Government that will take women’s issues seriously. “There should be focus on women’s safety. For instance, Chennai is considered very safe for women. But it is not so. Ask any woman and she will tell you of the many instances of sexual harassment she has suffered.”

The first-time voter of today might not be a serious follower of politics, but the fact that he or she is voting has urged many of them to pick up the newspaper to keep up with all the political happenings. “I browsed the Net to get information on the candidates contesting in my area,” adds Mitali.

“Imagine, we now have a role to play in choosing the person who will rule the country,” exclaims V.G. Divya, who has just got a brand-new voter ID. “I feel more responsible now.” Says Krithika: “Every vote matters. Our single vote could make all the difference.” The 18-year-old says that she might one day enter politics. “It’s not that easy. But I will.”

'Yes' Prime Minister

The ideal leader, according to first-time voters

- Good decision-maker and a thinker.

- Strongly motivated individual.

- Quick to take action against criminals, especially sexual offenders.

- One who pays attention to the necessities of the less-privileged.

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