India’s youngest eligible voters, aged 18 or 19, are showing little interest in registering to vote in the upcoming elections, sparking concerns nationwide. According to data released by the Election Commission (EC), fewer than 40% of eligible voters in this age group have enrolled across the country. States like Bihar, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh have seen particularly low enrollment rates, with less than a quarter of eligible youths registering to vote.
The projected population of 18- and 19-year-olds in India stands at nearly 4.9 crore, yet only about 38% of them have made it onto the electoral rolls. While Telangana leads the list with a registration rate of 66.7%, Bihar lags behind with just 17% of its potential young voters enrolled.
The disheartening trend underscores the irony that those with the greatest stake in shaping the future are displaying the least interest in participating in the electoral process. Despite extensive efforts by the EC, political parties, and civil society groups to encourage registration, the turnout remains alarmingly low.
Various factors may contribute to this phenomenon, including youth apathy, bureaucratic challenges in processing paperwork, and a sense of cynicism towards the political system. Additionally, migrant students and white-collar workers face hurdles in registering, with little incentive to navigate the cumbersome paperwork or sacrifice a day’s wages to vote.
In states like Bihar, where political awareness is high but enrollment rates remain low, efforts to sustain registration throughout the year are crucial. NGOs working on voter awareness emphasize the need for comprehensive education on governance and political processes in schools and colleges to cultivate a sense of civic responsibility among young people.
Despite ongoing efforts to promote voter registration, including awareness campaigns and celebrity endorsements, the lack of engagement among India’s youngest voters highlights a significant challenge for democracy. It underscores the importance of continued outreach and education to ensure that every eligible citizen exercises their right to vote.
