Youth realise their right to vote

• B Sravanthi, a graduate student of Gayatri Vidya Parishad (GVP) Degree and PG College, says youth should use it judiciously and vote for able leader who is concerned more about the State and the nation

Visakhapatnam: Right to vote was recognised under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution. Indian citizens above the age of 18 can vote irrespective of their race, religion, caste and creed. 

While there is a change in the tendency of people to come out and exercise their franchise, some are not keen on casting their vote as it hardly impacts the development of the country.

Speaking about the importance of exercising the franchise, the first-time woman voters talked about the need to vote. Ch Nikhitha, a BA student, said that every vote counts in elections. 

She said, “I believe that a voter has the power to bring a change in the governance. Voting is our right and when we vote, we ensure that we are a responsible citizen and care for the society.”

Maiden voters feel glad to cast their votes for more reasons than one. B Sravanthi, a graduate student of Gayatri Vidya Parishad (GVP) Degree and PG College, who was visibly excited about voting for the first time said, “It feels great because voting is the least we can do to bring a change in the system. 

When we have the chance to elect someone, we should use it judiciously and vote for able leader who is concerned about the state and the nation.”

Expressing similar views, another degree student, K Sri Lekha, mentioned the role of youth in elections, “India is the country with large number of young people who are energetic and responsible. 

We, as youth must contribute to the development of our nation. We must use our 'right' judiciously and elect the representatives based on their social initiatives centred on the development of society. The narrow-minded approach of some people, who elect representatives based on caste and other personal reasons should think otherwise.”

The percentage of women voters should increase and homemakers must also realise the significance of their contribution in electoral exercise, said M Dhanam, a former graduate student of Mrs AVN College. 

She added, “Voters can enhance the confidence level of good leaders, who have the potential to serve the society. Ahead of elections, youth should step forward to create awareness among women, especially who belong to rural areas. 

Voters should not be influenced by corrupt politicians who try to allure them with goodies as part of their election campaign because their vote decides the fate of nation for the next five years.”