Conversation with a wide range of people from different occupations, from flower vendors to IT employees, aged 18 to 60 years reveal that most people are aware of election process, but awareness about candidates is limited.
The majority of the first-time voters know about the candidates from popular parties and candidates’ photos or names that they have seen frequently on posters or advertisements. In contrast the people above 50 years know the full details of candidates contesting the elections and understand how elections work. More surprisingly, they are actively tracking the election campaigns and predicting -Who will win? If he wins, he will definitely do this; if not, the other candidate from another party will – These seniors are more involved in politics; they have different political opinions and which differ from those of young voters.
Divya dharshini (20), a first time voter is more concerned about poor roads and infrastructure and she wants an environment friendly society.
Krithika Thulasidas (19), a college student and first time voter said that she hates crowding at polling booths and campaigning until the last minute.
But people who are 50 years and above are concerned about primary issues such as women’s safety, child safety and increase in prices especially, vegetable and electricity bills. They look for a middle-class friendly government.
A 60 year old woman, Vachala Bai said that she expects a government that behaves like a good leader. On the other hand, Lakshmi, a flower vendor says, “I vote as per my wish; whoever wins can come to power.”
People aged 20 – 35, similar to first time voters know the candidates from well-known parties and are aware of the voting process too.
Selva kumar, a 25 years old rapido driver is concerned about the increase in crime including theft and murders, while Mayaa a 27 years old IT employee worries about power exploitation and wanta a government that takes immediate action to all the threats.
Harish Kumar (30), an IT employee said, “Let’s give a chance to someone new instead of sticking with same parties and candidates.”
Preethi Sridhar, a 37 years old IT employee, doesn’t want anything to be changed while some blindly rely on a particular party just because of fandom!
A section pf people below 35 responded indication that are not taking the election seriously treating it as just a another day while a few travel to their native place only to cast their vote. This reflects how voting is often seen as a routine activity, rather than a responsibility.
As young generation steps into voting, the seniors feel that knowing only about procedure is not enough; being informed about candidates is equally important and that this gap needs to be addressed.
Student Intern during April – June 2026