Contrary to popular belief that the youngsters are apathetic to politics, the new generation and first time voters are enthusiastic to franchise their vote. Metro India spoke to youth about their preference in the upcoming by-poll in Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency. There seems to be a new found zest to cast their vote also due to awareness programmes conducted in colleges and the efforts by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) which has launched a campaign “I VOTE FOR SURE” stickers, a part of Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign program.  

The special awareness drives and campaigns in colleges are encouraging citizens, especially the youth, to cast their votes and recognize the significance of democratic participation. The aim is simple, to remind eligible citizens of their right to vote, specifically encouraging youngsters, and make polling day count. According to election officials, these stickers are being displayed in GHMC circle offices, ward offices, GHMC sports complexes, fair-price shops and ICDS centres.  

Ananya Reddy, a student from St. Mary’s College, says that civic participation begins with awareness. It’s simple but effective and reminds people that voting is our right and duty,” she said. As a first-time voter, she has already verified her voter details online and plans to vote along with her friends by encouraging them.

Meanwhile, 25-year-old voter Kushal remarked: “Sometimes we all say, ‘I’ll definitely vote,’ but on the actual day, many skip it. For which these measures might kind of push a few to step up and vote. It spreads awareness in a simple but powerful way. I feel this campaign brings a sense of unity and energy, especially among the youth. Making Hyderabad a better place starts with one small step, casting our vote.” 

However, a 23-year-old Deloitte employee is doubtful if the campaigns are being noticed by the people who pass by. “I saw the stickers at the GHMC office, they look good, but many people walk past them,” she said. “Campaigns are fine, but people need to feel that their vote really matters, and many ignore the stickers and most of my colleagues and friends are still unaware. I feel they need to know the importance of it rather than just the awareness”, she added emphasizing on the reach of the awareness campaigns. 

Awareness programmes

At St. Mary’s Degree College, Yousufguda, K. Samuel Sundar, Senior Manager for University and Corporate Relations, led the on-campus awareness session to encourage first time voters which indeed brought up many students to register for the voter registration. The initiative not only encouraged dialogue but facilitated on-the-spot voter registration using Google scanners and digital portals. The effort made many students enrolling for the first time, making the process quick and effective. The college’s Electoral Literacy Club followed up with a debate designed to spark civic curiosity and peer which he emphasized on. 

“Students studying in this area may not be residing in this area, so we took this opportunity by ourselves for those young students to encourage them about the importance of vote”, Samuel explained.  

Don Bosco Degree College, Erragadda, also conducted a workshop and awareness drive which brought together students aged 18 and above. While some students and young professionals actively welcome this measure, others seek deeper engagement for the significance of voting.