Polling for the five parliamentary constituencies in Uttarakhand witnessed enthusiasm especially among those voting for the first time. The first time voters got a sense of being a part of something important by exercising their franchise to elect their representative. They proudly showed off the ink mark on their index finger.
First time voter Ishita Joshi said, “I feel like a more responsible citizen of India after casting my vote. We were taught about the rights granted to every Indian citizen in school and I finally got the opportunity to experience one of those rights.”
Another first time voter, Tabassum’s excitement was at its peak while casting her vote for the first time. On the other hand Fatima was not happy with the idea of voting. “I have no faith in the Government but I couldn’t refuse my father and had to vote on his insistence.”
Jyoti Tiwari said, “I was very excited to vote for the first time. Voting is a big responsibility and I feel good about myself for having fulfilled this duty well.” Adnan Khan said, “I will learn more about politics after being able to vote and realise who will be the right choice.”
Many first-time voters were under the influence of their family members when it came to making their electoral choice. A few formed their own opinions based on the limited knowledge of Indian politics they have. Jaideep Singh was influenced by his parents’ political choice. “I cast my vote based on my parents' choices as I am still learning about politics and political parties in India,” he said.
Akshat Sharma said, “I was very excited to vote. I don’t care which party my parents support. I made my own decision based on whatever knowledge I have gained so far.”
Shreya Rawat said, “I was so excited to vote that I could not sleep a wink on Tuesday night.” Suraj Khatri felt proud of the ink mark on his finger. “I am a proud citizen of India. I feel more proud and responsible after finally being able to vote.”
However, a few first time voters were disappointed after not finding their names on the electoral list even after filling the form. Charu Davshali was not allowed to vote because his name was absent from the list. “I filled the form to enroll myself in the voters’ list but my name is nowhere to be found.
All my family members have voted but i could not vote.” Another first time voter, Tariq’s name was also missing from the list. Nazim Qureshi who filled the form well in time did not find his name on the list though all his family members’ names were on it. Bilal Ahmed said, “I am sad that I am not being allowed to vote because of a technical error. We were repeatedly told about the importance of voting but due to official negligence and no fault of ours, we were not listed on the electoral roll.”