However, looking at the current situation of covid-19, it is quite uncertain as to how many of them would actually come out to vote on polling day.
Tuesday, 11 January 2022 | PNS | Dehradun
As the election date is announced in Uttarakhand, there is a lot of anticipation and excitement for the upcoming assembly elections amongst the people. However this excitement is clearly palpable among the first time voters.
As per the data of the election commission (EC) the number of first time voters in the state are 1, 11,458 with 19,386 voters from Dehradun. There are a significant number of first time voters whose votes will decide the future of the State Government. However, looking at the current situation of covid-19, it is quite uncertain as to how many of them would actually come out to vote on polling day. The majority of people opined that everything depends on the situation of covid-19 and they will act accordingly. The Pioneer asked a few first time voters their opinion on voting and the elections.
Anjili Petwal, an office employee, said, “Being a first time voter, it is quite exciting. It is a good thing to have a little contribution towards the nation. However, amid the Omicron scare, if the situation is not properly handled then it will become a huge concern. So it depends on how they will manage large groups of people.” On her views on the elections, she added that elections have to happen and the government has to be made. But hopefully a good and sensible government comes to power. The promises made are kept and the public is helped when in need. Moreover, grievances should be solved and most importantly stringent rules regarding Covid-19 and election booths should also be looked at carefully as large groups gather to vote.
Yatharth Godiyal, a student, said, “Though being a first time voter, it is exciting but looking at the current scenario and the candidates, all that excitement is gone. I will not risk others’ lives and my own, by going to the election booth where there will be a large crowd present and the authorities will fail to control it, as always.” He further added that there are no potential candidates who deserve our votes, all the promises are made during the time of elections and long forgotten after that.
Another first time voter added that I am thrilled with the idea of voting. He said that everybody should vote, even if you do not like any of the candidates as there are other options on the voting booth and being a voter is quite powerful and it should be viewed as a responsibility towards our nation.
Pallavi Singh, a graduate student, said, “Being a first time voter is quite exciting. I will get to know the process of voting. However, everything depends on covid, if the cases are increased then I will not be able to vote as I have to travel to other districts and it will not be safe for me or others.”
