By The Election Commission and public organizations emphasize that voting is the backbone of democracy and a civic duty, but voters are showing disinterest. The culture of affluent urban residents staying away from voting has now affected educated individuals as well.
Low voter turnout in the graduate by-election: Are educated individuals losing interest in voting?
The need for voting as the cornerstone of democracy and citizens’ responsibility to vote has been emphasized by election associations and public organizations. However, voters are showing disinterest. Affluent urban residents’ culture of abstaining from voting has now affected educated individuals. This reluctance to vote is more pronounced among affluent urban residents and educated individuals. Recent elections in Varanasi, Khammam, and Nalgonda witnessed educated voters as indifferent and less participatory.
In the country, polling averages between 70% to 75% during elections. However, the actual number of voters has been consistently decreasing, especially from the affluent urban population. The participation of educated individuals as voters is dwindling. They seem to be disinterested in exercising their voting rights. In the recently held elections in Varanasi, Khammam, and Nalgonda, affluent voters were notably absent from polling booths. Out of the 1.27 million registered affluent voters in these areas, a significant portion stayed away from voting. Only educated individuals seem to be active participants in voting, indicating a higher political awareness among them.
Regarding recent elections in Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda districts, out of a total of 5.05 million registered voters, only 3.85 million actually cast their votes, with 1.19 million abstaining. The polling percentage has been declining in these areas. In Warangal, Khammam, and Nalgonda, 78.59%, 73.29%, and 73.15% of registered voters exercised their franchise, respectively, showing a decreasing trend in polling compared to previous elections.
Educated voters are also expressing disinterest in voting. Private companies are also observing a holiday on election days, primarily for their employees. Despite efforts to increase voter turnout, educated and affluent individuals seem reluctant to participate actively in the electoral process.
The government has also announced holidays on election days for the public and private sectors. Educated individuals are actively participating in campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of voting. District authorities have also used flexible measures such as posters and banners to encourage voting among affluent residents.
