Selfies, encouraging online posts mark young voters’ first ballot

Enthusiasm ran high among young voters, especially those who exercised their franchise for the first time, in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday. Excited at the opportunity to contribute to the formation of the government at the Centre, large groups of youths could be seen gathered at several polling stations across the state. Himachal has 84,460 first-time voters.

Besides coming out in good numbers to cast their votes, young voters encouraged others to exercise their franchise as well.

In the state capital, model polling stations were set up at the municipal corporation office, DAV Senior Secondary Public School, Middle Bazaar and Government Degree College, Sanjauli.

Youngsters were seen calling their friends so that they could cast their votes early. Nidhi Sharma said she was very excited about her first vote.

“I am waiting for my friends, and we will cast our first votes together,” she said.

Expressing enthusiasm and pride after exercising their franchise, young voters flaunted their inked fingers on social networking websites, urging others to vote.

Some posted their ‘selfies’ (photographs taken themselves) with captions such as ‘I voted for India’ and ‘I am feeling proud. Performed my duty, have you?’ to encourage their friends to cast their votes. Vishal Sharma, an MBA student at the Himachal Pradesh University posted a photograph of his ink-smeared finger with his voter card in the background, captioned ‘Contributed my drop in the ocean of the world’s largest democracy. Voted for development, for stability, for national security, for employment, for India. I did my part and you’.

Information technology professional Raj Chauhan flaunted his inked finger on his Facebook profile with the caption ‘I cast my vote, and you’. A few voters also disclosed the name of the party they have voted for.