It matters a lot to vote

Jaspreet Singh

I was one of those voters who got up early the other day and voted for the candidate whom I consider would do something for my area and for the country at large. The people queued up patiently, waiting for their turn. The police officials helped senior citizens and did their best to maintain discipline at the polling booth. 

Initially, people were a little disturbed because polling began 15 minutes after the official starting time. There were lapses; some of the polling staff were not fully trained. Still, the inked fingernail was the reason to feel joyous that I had finally voted in the Lok Sabha elections.

To my surprise, some of the voters didn’t turn up with their proof of identity and some had misplaced their voter slips. But the election staff were there to take care of the voters and they resolved their issues in minutes. The police officials, trained to be patient, gave detailed instructions to the voters. An official was fretting over water arrangements in the sweltering heat. He asked his assistants to ensure proper facilities for voters. 

People came to the booth without even having breakfast. It was an experience worth cherishing. It was like a get-together where the local fraternity gets to meet each other. Some met after years because they were so busy with their routine that they couldn’t spare time to catch up with their friends. I met some of my pals with whom I studied till Class V. I met a teacher who taught me in Class X. He was accompanied by his mother and his little son. Nostalgia swept hearts and minds. 

An old woman who could not walk properly was assisted by her son. She was one of the early birds who came out to vote. People gave her way so that she could cast her ballot as soon as possible.

The polling was a festive affair as the people shared a good laugh. I thought that voting would take a lot of time, but I was amazed to see the arrangements. It took me an hour to vote, but time passed in the blink of an eye because there were friends, uncles and aunties who were continuously chatting. This helped me get to know them more closely. 

Now, I wonder what those people would be thinking who took it for another Sunday and a holiday to rest at home in airconditioned rooms. But then I think they have missed a huge opportunity. They don’t have the right to ask questions from their representatives. They cannot proudly say that they are responsible citizens of India. We voted in the largest festival of this huge democracy and we are proud of it.