As India prepares for the next general elections, a lot of discussions revolve around the participation of first-time voters in what is referred to as the ‘festival of democracy’. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is actively promoting voter registration, with the introduction of four registration windows in a year. Several States have already signaled an increased number of first-time voters compared to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, reflecting a growing engagement of the youth in the democratic process.
Recognising the crucial role these voters play, political parties are actively making efforts to connect with first time voters. On National Voters’ Day, observed on January 25th, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the ‘Nav Matdata Sammelan,’ urged first-time voters to ensure their registration in the voters list. He also asked them to suggest inputs for the party’s 2024 manifesto. Similarly, during his Bharat Jodo Yatra, Rahul Gandhi engaged in exclusive interviews with YouTubers as a move to reach out to the youth. With the 2024 elections just around the corner, political parties are strategically reaching out to millions of first-time voters, recognising the importance of their support and participation.
A recent study by Lokniti-CSDS interviewed 1,290 first-time voters (47% young men and 53% young women) in Delhi, hoping to understand their perspectives on politics, their voting intentions, and their opinions on key pressing issues.
