Representational image | Photo: Mathrubhumi
As the Lok Sabha elections are nearing, with the political atmosphere charged up, the citizens are gearing up to make their crucial choice. The right to vote is the biggest power a citizen holds in a democracy. When a significant portion of the population is under 35 years old, the impact these young voters can have on changing the future of our country cannot be ignored.
But, according to the data provided by the Election Commission of India, only less than 40% of the new voters between 18 and 19 have signed up as voters. Of the 49 million people in this age bracket, the data revealed that just 18 million of them have registered to vote. While Telangana tops the list with 66.7% in the 18–19 age group, Bihar is at the bottom with 17%. Kerala has also shown a low registration rate of 37%.
In recent years, Kerala's youth have been at the forefront of social and political movements advocating for change on issues ranging from climate concerns, environmental conservation, social justice movements, gender equality, and so on. Kerala also boasts one of the highest internet penetration rates in the country, providing a platform for young voices to be heard. In the digital age, social media platforms have emerged as the battleground where political discourse is waged and ideologies are tested.
Against this backdrop, the question arises: Will the enthusiasm and activism displayed by Kerala's youth translate into meaningful engagement at the ballot box? Is the younger generation interested in voting? While voter turnout among Kerala's youth is expected to be disproportionately low compared to other demographics, let's examine the factors influencing young participation in the democratic process.
Delpher (26), a software engineer from Ernakulam, said, "I'm voting, but until our candidate selection system changes, the elected representatives will never govern us correctly; they'll not fulfil their promised duties adequately. Candidates should possess a minimum education level. Selection should not be based on fame but rather on skills and experience. People should vote based on an individual's abilities and experience rather than party affiliation."
Surprisingly, or not so surprisingly, a category of youth in Kerala is planning to vote only because they want the BJP to win again in this election. And another group is voting just not to let the BJP win. Some are voting in hope of seeing Rahul Gandhi as their new prime minister! Beyond that, they seem to have no other expectations from the government.
Aditya (20), an engineering student from Angamali, said, "I'll vote. But let me ask you a question. Where are Kerala's youth? They are not in Kerala anymore. Most of my friends moved out of the state. Kerala's youth are either in the USA, Canada, or other countries. Nobody wants to live here anymore. Everyone's migrating. Maybe we should conduct these elections in Canada or the UK because that's where young voters in India live. I won't blame them either. People are frustrated with the economy and system. If I had an opportunity, I'd have migrated too."
"It's pointless. During elections, we suddenly become the voice of the nation; everything depends on the younger generation. This 'younger generation' is spending their parent's hard-earned money, taking loans over loans, just to get a better job abroad. Why? We're all unemployed here. If there were better opportunities in Kerala, those young men wouldn't have fallen prey to job scams and joined the Russian army. I don't expect anything from the government anymore. But yes, I'll vote," said Athira (19), a student, Kasargod
Although the Election Commission has implemented measures to facilitate the enrollment of non-resident Indians, the fact that one has to be physically present in the constituency to cast the vote stands quite often in the way of the final act of voting.
"I wish to, but I can't afford expensive flight tickets! I cannot vote this year," said Nishad (27), a product photographer, Dubai.
"I'm not interested in voting. I have lost trust in the voting system," said Jerry (27), an interior designer, Canada.
Most youth who have migrated to various countries are not voting because of their lack of interest in politics. Only a few want to vote, but they cannot due to expensive flight tickets, classes, and jobs.
Lack of awareness, time constraints, and the perceived irrelevance of Indian politics to their lives abroad are also factors that influence the decisions of NRIs in voting.
In conversations conducted across Kerala, it was found that a majority of youth have not yet applied for or received their voter's ID. Many young voters who sign up as voters may not go to the polling booth to vote. There are a couple of young voters who are uncertain.
Nikon (27), a software engineer from Kochi, said, "I'm feeling hesitant about voting. It is tough when none of the candidates seem trustworthy. But not voting can mean missing a chance to influence the direction our country takes. I haven't made a decision yet. Maybe I will vote, maybe not."
"I don't plan to vote, but if I do, I prefer NOTA. I just don't trust any of the candidates. They all seem to be making empty promises or are involved in some sort of scandal. I don't want to support anyone who isn't going to truly work for people. It's disheartening and makes me question the whole system," said Rebecca (24), a psychology student, Malappuram.
Unemployment, lack of economic opportunities, student debt, racial injustice, etc. are some factors that lead these young people to prioritise their immediate concerns over broader political issues.
From the interviews, it's clear that many young people are getting indifferent towards politics and voting.
"The whole system is rigged. No one who's stood in Wayanad in the last few terms has done anything for the constituency. Parties harass businessmen and voters to fund them. Developments are hindered by local party leaders and members. People just vote blindly, allowing this vicious cycle to continue—more reasons for one to not vote," said Barath (23), data analyst, Wayanad.
"I'm uninterested in politics."
"I don't feel like my vote will make a difference."
"I don't see the point in voting."
"Nothing's going to change."
"There's no use in expecting anything from this government."
"I have lost trust in the system."
"It's pure dictatorship. We have lost every right."
"There's no transparency. The whole country is corrupted."
These are some of the responses received from the young people belonging to the 18–20 age group, and their level of enthusiasm for politics and elections remains stubbornly low. A majority of young people in Kerala are not voting this time, stating they choose to stay apolitical.
Along with non-voters, many young people not only express a keen interest in voting and elections but also stay informed about their candidates and political process. A portion of the youth cast their vote believing in a corruption-free country, a country that provides better education and improved healthcare facilities, and a country where everyone is treated equally.
"I will vote. I expect betterment, such as government hospitals with better facilities for patients in Kerala and better waste and water management in the state. I wish for a state with better economists who can manage the funds safely and let the people know where all the money comes and goes," said Anaitha (26), senior content developer, Kottayam.
"I expect a government that rules the state and country with motives of secularism and not dictatorship. They should also find better ways of governing human-wildlife conflicts with educated zoologists and wildlife conservationists," said Jino (24), a medical student, Thrissur.
Apart from the issues that matter most to young voters, such as education, employment, and equality, the youth of the state demand transparency and accountability in governance. Rebuilding trust in the political system and addressing the issues that matter most to young people are some of the essential steps towards rekindling these young minds' interest in democracy.
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