Enthused first-time voters shoulder their responsibility

Nikhila Pant Dhawan

Tribune News Service

Bathinda, February 4

Call it the influence of voter awareness campaigns held by NGOs, educational institutions and district administration or a sense of responsibility, first-time voters came out in large numbers to exercise their right to vote.

While the Election Commission had the provision to give certificates to first-time voters, the voters also showed equal interest in shouldering their responsibility.

Aarav Behl (19) came back to Bathinda to cast his vote. “I am staying in Delhi as I am taking coaching for entrance exams. My parents called me to make sure that I came to my place to cast my vote,” he said.

Aarav said although his parents called him to the city, they didn’t tell him which candidate to vote for.

“They allowed me to use my discretion and make an independent choice,” he added.

“Using my right to vote for the first time made me realise a sense of responsibility. I was excited to cast my vote since I turned 18 in December 2016. I feel responsible for doing my bit in choosing the representative of the Assembly segment where I stay,” said Gurpreet Kaur of Veer Colony.

With a bit of regret, she said since she reached the polling station late during the day, she couldn’t get the certificate, which was given to the first 10 first-time voters.

Others like Kiran Kumari of Kheta Singh Basti made sure that they finished all their day’s work before standing in the queue to cast their vote.

Kiran, who works as a house help, said, “I went to the polling station in the morning but since the queues were very long, I decided to finish my wok first and then come back. This is the first time I was to cast my vote and I didn’t want to miss the opportunity as it is both thrilling and motivating,” she said.