Poll fever: Over 3 lakh first-time voters all set to get inked

THANE: From ensuring their names are on the voters’ list to immersing themselves in articles and blogs about the political scenario in their area and across the nation, first-time voters have been leaving no stone unturned to ensure their first vote counts.
Out of the 3 lakh new voters, as many as 43,758 are in the age group of 18 to 19 years; while 8,99,352 others fall in the 20 to 29 bracket across Thane district.
After ensuring their names are finally in the electoral lists, these socially conscious youth seem to have now focused their attention on the promises made by each political party in light of the upcoming polls.
Saurabh Raikar, a 21-year-old Brahmand-based first time voter, said, “I spent the last one-and-a-half month not only getting my name on the voter’s list, but also changing my parents address in the list so that they can vote from our current residential area. I have always been politically aware and I am thrilled that I can use this knowledge to make a difference, and be a part of this national watershed moment by casting my vote.”
Agreeing with Raikar, Waghbil based political science student and first time voter Gauri Ghate (19), said, “I have been glued to the national political scenario since the 2014 elections which made an impact on every section of society, and have been waiting to cast my own vote since then.”
“Over these past years I have been studying about each political decision made and its national and international impact, which has helped me develop my own political inclinations. However, even though I am leaning towards a certain political party, I will spend the next few days meeting the past MP of my area, and researching about the work done by him and others in the past before I make up my mind,” Ghate added.
Although a large section of the millennial community here has already made up their minds, a few have created check lists based on their criteria for allocating their vote, and plan to carefully scan party manifestos, the affidavits of the candidates or look up websites that analyses these documents which could convince them to change their initial preferences.
“Since I was young I have seen projects taken up in the city in the name of development that have side effects on the environment or people living in the areas. I believe that a well-educated political representative would be able to see the flaws and negative impact of such projects and prevent them, and also logically use the resources for the betterment of this constituency,” said 18-year-old Anushka Zodape, a Devdayanagar resident.
Agreeing with her, Smitha Desai (22) another first time voter here added, “There are many websites like Mumbai Votes that put up the candidates affidavits online and even share analysis on them. While it is improbable to find a perfect candidate, these avenues will help us narrow down that with lesser criminal records, higher qualifications, and show us the work done by each of them for the society.”
Out of the 3 lakh new voters, as many as 43,758 are in the age group of 18 to 19 years; while 8,99,352 others fall in the 20 to 29 bracket across Thane district. These socially conscious youth seem to have now focused their attention on the promises made by each political party in light of the upcoming polls