The first phase of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections occurring in 91 parliamentary constituencies, spread across 20 states, has begun.
First-time voters from these constituencies share with The Quint’s My Report their feelings while casting their vote for the first time, as well as the importance they accord to the exercise of voting.
“Being a part of the largest democracy, I feel my vote matters, as we, irrespective of our socio-economic status, caste and religion collectively make it large. A democracy represents us, our ideas and hopes.
My criteria to vote was simple. I'm a young Indian, I need employment, peaceful environment and educated people in power.
I wish to achieve quality education, to be specific, in Dentistry. We don't need more private dental colleges, we need more government dental colleges and at least one in each state. My state Uttarakhand doesn't have that. Because of this lack, I don't want to switch my profession to Hospital Management, Pharmaceutical or anything else. We need more job opportunities.
I love my profession and want to learn more about it in India with affordable fees, good facilities and infrastructure.”
“I was very enthusiastic and eager to vote for first time. I woke up early and went to polling station, got my voting slip and casted my vote. Earlier I was having a mindset that voting will be hectic and chaotic thing to do, but being a first-time voter I can proudly say that things have improved, voting isn't cumbersome in any way. So be a responsible citizen and VOTE!
I was so motivated after looking at the excitement in people. Even the elderly were present at the booth. Every citizen should realise their political rights. And instead of condemning government, they should use their vote to make a difference,” Shilpi said.
“It felt very nice after I casted my vote. I feel my vote matters because each vote is important for our nation and for political parties who we want rule our nation,” Rishabh wrote.
“I was looking forward to voting for the first time, I was really excited. Voting is our right, everyone should exercise it,” Amit expressed.
“I am extremely excited to to have voted and played a part in the formation of a new government,” said Abhishek.
“Today, I voted for the first time. Just after pressing the EVM button, I had an unexpected feeling: I felt powerful. Democracy is about speaking truth to power, and in a tiny way, I did that today. And that is why I’d urge every eligible voter to go out and vote. Today, I voted for an India which values inclusivity, honesty, and civility in its sociopolitical sphere; critical thinking in educational institutions; the rule of law; and the freedom of the press. I voted for an India which recognises the gravity of the agrarian crisis, job crisis, and global warming. I hope that the succeeding government at the centre recognise these pressing concerns and tackle them head on,” Gaurav wrote.
“While standing in the line to vote, I felt like people's tolerance levels were very low. They were unable to stand for 10 minutes for the cost of 5 years. My criteria is simple. Ours is a new state. We need government which should prioritise people's present and future needs. We now not only need a leader, we need an administrator too. I'm a responsible citizen of India. I cannot question anyone if I didn't vote. My vote will make my leaders answerable and accountable to me. Hence it's important to vote,” Praneeth says.
“It's my first vote. I am proud to be a voter as it is a super power for individuals in a democracy. It's amazing that one vote can make a difference and decide the future. It's also our fate which we choose now through the act of voting – of employment, welfare schemes, safety and security,” he said.
Devash Rattanpal, a first-time voter from Jammu, shared a thoughtful message for other voters.
“I felt elated casting my first ever vote today and I believe this election will help build a deserving government which will lead India ahead in every aspect,” Ojaswi said.
“It feels great to vote! As a citizen, it is our duty to elect the right leaders. We are the citizens of tomorrow, it is our duty to elect the right leader who will represent our problems, who will ll be true to the promises made and be successful in delivering them,” wrote Angelina.
Catch the live updates from constituencies voting in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Jammu & Kashmir, Andhra Pradesh & Telangana and the Northeast here.
For all the live updates from the Assembly elections in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, click here.
(All 'My Report' branded stories are submitted by citizen journalists to The Quint. Though The Quint inquires into the claims/allegations from all parties before publishing, the report and the views expressed above are the citizen journalist's own. The Quint neither endorses, nor is responsible for the same.)
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