Srinagar, Sept 27: Young voters across the districts of North Kashmir are gearing up to cast their ballots for the first time in the upcoming elections, with Bandipora, Baramulla, and Kupwara set to go to the polls on October 1st. This long-awaited opportunity has finally arrived for many, as previous elections in Jammu and Kashmir were absent for several years, leaving many young people unable to exercise their voting rights.
Speaking to various first-time voters, who expressed both pride and excitement about participating in the electoral process, they believe casting votes will help them choose representatives who can effectively address pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and basic infrastructure.
Manan Shabir, a 21-year-old from Baramulla, shared his enthusiasm: “I have been waiting for this opportunity since I became eligible to vote. I want to choose someone who will not just make promises but will deliver on them, especially in sectors like education and health, which are long-pending issues in my area.”
This sentiment is echoed by many young voters, thrilled to finally be part of the electoral process. Shahid Manzoor, a 25-year-old from Kupwara, remarked, “I became eligible to vote seven years ago, but due to the absence of elections, I never had the chance to cast my vote. This time, I’m excited and enthusiastic to vote and choose my leader—someone who will listen to our problems and act on them.”
Adil Bashir, another young voter from Bandipora, expressed similar excitement. “Casting my vote gives me a sense of power,” he said. “It’s our chance to select a representative who will work for the betterment of our area and tackle the issues we have faced for years.”
The young voters are also appealing to their peers to come out and vote, encouraging them to support candidates who genuinely address their concerns. They highlighted the importance of making informed decisions during the election, as their votes hold the potential to bring about real change.
Basharat Ahad, a 22-year-old from Kupwara, urged fellow first-time voters: “I urge every first-time voter like me to cast their vote wisely. Our vote is not just a ballot; it’s powerful. It can make a huge impact on our society if we use it properly. We need to keep in mind the issues that matter most to us when we vote.”
Many of these young voters feel that, in previous elections, younger people often stayed away from polling stations, which led to the election of less representative leaders. However, this time, they believe the situation will be different.
“The people are now more politically aware and know what is good for them and what is not,” said Adil Bashir. “I hope the younger generation realizes how important their vote is, and I believe that this time, we will make our voices heard.”
