80% first-time electors in Andhra Pradesh exercised voting rights this year

VISAKHAPATNAM: Lakhs of first-time voters in Andhra Pradesh showed enthusiasm in the electoral process on Monday.

According to the Election Commission's data, there are over 10 lakh electors aged 18 and 19 years in the state. It was estimated that nearly 80% of these young electors exercised their franchise in Monday's polling. TOI interacted with several first-time voters across constituencies in Visakhapatnam, Srikakulam, Kakinada, East Godavari, Krishna, and other districts.

Their primary demands included the establishment of industries, enhanced employment opportunities within their region, better higher education opportunities and a corruption-free govt.

Pattisapu Srinivas, a first year degree program student at Adiya College in Kakinada, said that he wants to see AP progress in various sectors, particularly in information technology, to prevent the need to migrate to other states for jobs.

Vanum Sai from the Jaggampeta constituency, who recently completed an ITI course, said, "As the region is dependent on agriculture, the establishment of agri-related industries will lead to a prosperous local economy and reduce migrations. Increased participation of youth in the voting process is a clear indication of their commitment to the democratic system and their belief in its power to bring about the desired changes."