Whenever you ask a non-voter why don’t you vote? Probably you will get answers like - “my constituency is far away from my current residence”, “I am too busy”, “it doesn’t matter all politicians are corrupt” and many more mundane excuses but the main reason behind it is the lack of cohesive campaigning and degrading standards of politics.
When is the last time you saw your local nominee coming to your home and campaigning their propagandas? Now days campaigning dwindled to just social media and newsrooms, there is a certain lack of public connect. The quality of India's politicians, many argue, has declined drastically, as in many parts of the world. Most of them seem to be out of sync with modern-day realities - expectations have fallen so ridiculously low that an iPad carrying politician is described by the media as a modern one! Most are also seen as greedy, corrupt and disinterested in serious reform. The increasing number of politicians with criminal records and use of money to buy party tickets and bribe voters erodes India's ailing democratic process.
With our small Initiative we want to spread our word about the importance of each and every individual's vote. Voting means standing up for yourself, the people you care about and for the nation’s progress, because if you don’t vote for your own interests, then who will?
Elections and the government are of the people, by the people and for the people, but the people have to stop being observers who complain and start participating in democracy to make it work.The internet has brought everything to our fingertips. If you don’t understand how things work, who your candidates are or what they stand for - now is the time to educate yourself. Read up, ask friends and family, follow social media, and watch the news. Today it is easier than ever to become an informed voter - there is really no excuse!
While many youngsters are apathetic about voting early, they need to set their eyes on the future. Voting is their constitutional right. The government elected by them will impact the decisions made for their future and that’s a good enough reason to participate in the electoral process.
Ps: An interesting article by New York Times Gary Cutting- Should Everybody Vote?
