From big cities and small villages, they are students, development professionals and also migrant workers who are passionate about Adivasi rights, labour rights, education, unemployment, women’s safety, and secularism.
“Even if it’s just for a day, I hope all boys and girls can live in safety. A day without uncomfortable glances and full of joy. Even if it’s just one night’s sleep with peace and contentment.”
This is 21-year-old Rahath’s vision for India, and like her, at least 18 million first-time voters will be taking their initial steps as active political citizens in this general election. India’s electoral democracy has historically been male-centric, where women are often seen as an extension of men’s political personhood.
There has always been a gap in election reporting where the voices of women and queer individuals are conspicuously absent from these significant events. Moreover, young people’s perspectives are frequently overlooked. Additionally, the entrenched belief that women are less interested in politics, or that their votes are decided by male family members, persists. However, young women and queer individuals are challenging these stereotypes.
They are not only showing interest in politics but also engaging in various forms of political activism—from influencing their communities to participating in campaigns and, most importantly, making their voices heard.
There’s a tendency to present a singular narrative of young people. However, their voices are as diverse as their backgrounds and social contexts. The aspirations and political leanings of a Dalit migrant worker differ from those of a student attending a private or public university in a metropolitan area. It’s crucial to acknowledge and document the diversity of their voices.
When the history of this general election is written, let it be known that these young voters spoke up and articulated their vision.
So, we did something simple. We listened to them.
In the first four months of 2024, we asked 60 women and queer first-time voters a set of 10 questions. These questions covered how they obtained their news and political information, how they made their political decisions, the issues influencing their voting choices, their expectations from the next government, and what they would do if they were Prime Minister for a day.
Our reporters, spanning 20 states, interviewed young women and queer individuals from 42 parliamentary constituencies. They hailed from cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, as well as villages in Bastar, Kalahandi, Palasa, Anantnag, and Vadakara. They encompassed students, migrant workers, and development professionals, among others. The diverse voices we captured were robust, assertive, and brimming with innovative ideas.
They weave the tapestry of a new India.
Explore our multimedia data project titled #MeraFirstVote. Waste no time—immerse yourself in the voices of these young first-time voters while exploring the data. The voices of India’s youth deserve to be heard.
Also watch this video that captures the essence of the voices of a new India.
Featured image source: #MeraFirstVote by Behan Box