LS First Time Voters: Exercising the right to vote is empowering

Morung Express News
Kohima | April 19

Nchamwi Chawang, a first-time voter from the 10 Northern Angami-I A/C, expressed how empowering it was for her to exercise her right to vote. “Voting is an opportunity to have my voice heard and contribute to shaping the future of 'our' community and country,” Chawang stated. She emphasized the importance of policies that promote equality, well-being, and safeguard secularism as one of the important issues for her in this election.

Chawang said her vote contributes directly to the selection of her leader adding that every single vote counts and collectively determines the success of their chosen candidate. She also highlighted the responsibility of every citizen to encourage others to actively participate in the democratic process.

“By encouraging others to vote, it helps to strengthen democracy,” she said. 

Chawang further viewed that being an active and informed citizen goes beyond just voting which also involves staying engaged with current events, understanding key issues, and participating in community activities.

“By staying informed, speaking out on important issues, and taking action to make a difference, I can play a vital role in shaping a better future for our community and beyond. It's all about being pro-active and involved in creating a positive impact,” she reiterated.

Another first-time voter, Metevino Natso, expressed excitement at the prospect of voting for the first time. Hailing from 9th Kohima Town A/C, she believed that it is crucial to choose the right lawmakers.

While emphasizing on the importance of every single vote, Natso said spreading awareness about the impact of each vote is essential in encouraging others to vote and be engaged in the democratic process.

Moreover, she viewed that as active and informed citizen, everyone should be mindful of the fact that 'every action that we execute always has a reaction in the near or far future.'

Nagaland has 13.17 lakh voters comprising of 6.60 lakh females and 6.50 lakh males and a total of 19,000 first-time voters.

In Chümoukedima, ideology served as the basis for a first-time voter in the Lok Sabha elections. “This time for me its secularism,” commented young voter, who informed that he voted for the first time in the Nagaland Assembly elections 2023. 

Nini, another first-timer, who gave only her first name, was still undecided whom to vote for. She said that she will decide her choice only after she “reaches” the EVM inside the polling booth.