The sun was shining brightly as young voters flocked to polling booths across the city on a Saturday morning, eager to cast their first vote. The excitement was palpable as Mridul Madaan, 22, waited outside the Dyal Singh Public School, handing out identity cards to his family members.
Mridul expressed his enthusiasm for voting, stating, “While weekend vacations are exciting, being able to cast your first vote is not far behind.” His sister, Simran, 23, also took her duty seriously, emphasizing the importance of participating in the democratic process.
As they entered the booths, Mridul and his peers, like Ansh Midha and Anjali Batra, voiced their concerns about issues that mattered to them. From the need for a more diverse market for startups to improved education standards, these young voters were determined to make their voices heard.
In Karnal, the district administration made extensive efforts to engage young voters, setting up signature campaigns and selfie points at colleges to encourage participation. Despite these efforts, there was a decline in voter turnout compared to previous elections.
The election commission also introduced pink booths to honor women voters, with one in each assembly segment. These booths saw long queues throughout the day, with all-women polling staff ensuring a smooth voting process.
One voter, Kamla Devi, 87, even braved the scorching heat to cast her vote, showcasing her determination to exercise her democratic right. As the day came to a close, voters like Ridhi Sharma and Sunita reflected on their choices, highlighting the diverse perspectives and concerns of the electorate.