Why young voters are less interested in elections?
Lok Sabha elections, it appears that the country's youngest eligible voters are displaying a concerning lack of interest in participating in the democratic process. Recent data reveals that fewer than 40% of 18- and 19-year-olds across the nation have registered to vote, with certain states like Bihar, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh recording enrollment rates of less than a quarter, a TOI report stated.
According to statistics released by the Election Commission after the announcement of poll dates, only a little over 1.8 crore new voters in the 18- and 19-year-old bracket have been included in the electoral rolls. This figure is considerably lower than the projected population size of this demographic, which stands at just under 4.9 crore. In essence, merely 38% of these first-time voters have successfully registered. Although there is a possibility of this number increasing as various stakeholders intensify their efforts to encourage registration, the current scenario raises questions about the extent to which such initiatives can effectively address the issue.
Telangana emerges as a notable exception, with over 8 lakh 18- and 19-year-olds enrolled to vote, constituting approximately 66.7% of its projected population within this age group. Conversely, Bihar, known for its youthful population, reports dismal figures, with only 9.3 lakh enrolled out of a potential 54 lakh (17%). Similar trends are observed in other states like Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, where enrollment rates remain notably low.
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