First, Vote.

A First-Time Voter's Reflection on Democracy and Responsibility

Turning 18 brought about many changes, but becoming a voting citizen was by far the most exhilarating. From a young age, the prospect of participating in the democratic process had been intertwined with the excitement of reaching this milestone. I vividly recall my parents returning from the polling station with marked fingernails, a moment etched in my memory. Eager to emulate them, I enthusiastically replicated the gesture using a black marker. My earliest voting memory harks back to school elections, placing a chit into the box with the name of my choice—a simple act that filled me with a profound sense of satisfaction.

The day I tore open the envelope from the election commission, revealing a small shiny card, marked a rite of passage. In that moment, I truly felt like a grown-up, bestowed with a sense of responsibility and ownership of my country in my own small way.

However, it's disheartening that not everyone shares this enthusiasm. Some express, "Why vote? The same party will win anyway." Unfortunately, differing beliefs or laziness lead people to give up on something so vital to our democracy. The existence of an election holiday is something I appreciate and believe should be a standard practice.

“Every election is determined by the people who show up.” - Larry J Sabato

Recently, I had the privilege of attending India’s Today Roundtable at Taj Krishna, focusing on Telangana's upcoming elections, strategies, and political opinions. As a first-time voter with limited knowledge of political parties and local politics, it was a transformative experience.

Interactions at India Today Roundtable

Listening to various representatives discuss their agendas and the assumptions and opinions of the opposition reaffirmed my belief in the necessity of having opposition in government to keep them accountable. As a journalism student, this experience was particularly enlightening, underscoring the crucial role of media as the fourth pillar of democracy.

Growing up involved eagerly anticipating being part of this political conversation. The government works for me, allowing me to express support or dissatisfaction through my vote. While national elections garner the most attention, I've come to realize that local elections can have an even greater impact on our daily lives, directly influencing our communities. As a first-time voter in state elections, I understand the importance of actively participating in shaping the future of my immediate surroundings.

If you've been on YouTube or the streets of Telangana recently, you've likely witnessed the robust political campaign efforts by various parties through both media and local channels. In case you missed the buzz, it's essential to be aware that the Telangana State Assembly elections are just around the corner, kicking off on November 30th. For those eligible to vote, your participation is crucial. If you haven't applied for a voter card yet, I strongly urge you to do so without delay.

Young people play a pivotal role in shaping the future, and our active involvement is key to ensuring accountability and progress, especially considering the significant youth population. We bring in diverse perspectives, and it is crucial that these perspectives are represented in the halls of power. By participating in the electoral process, we ensure that the government is reflective of the rich tapestry of ideas and ambitions that characterize us, the youth. Apathy is the adversary of progress.

To my fellow young and first-time voters, I hope you share the same excitement as I do. Each birthday was marked by a countdown: "X years until I can vote." In recent weeks, I have very proudly exclaimed the phrase, “I am going to be a first-time voter for the upcoming elections” to every person I come across. The right to vote hasn't always been guaranteed to all citizens. Certain groups faced exclusion throughout history due to formal laws or informal barriers. In India, this right was hard-fought through years of struggle and activism, ultimately expanding to include all citizens in our democratic journey.

Voting is more than just marking a ballot; it's a tangible expression of your voice and influence. Embrace the excitement, as it holds the potential to shape the course of our nation and contribute to a better future for us all. In the words of Shahrukh Khan from his latest movie Jawan,

"Believe in the power of your finger. Use it."

Your vote matters, and it is a force for positive change.

Happy Voting!