Youth voting crisis: Kerala to examine reluctance among young voters

Thiruvananthapuram: The state is set to examine the reasons behind the low voter registration and participation among young people, as highlighted by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Dr. Rathan U Kelkar. With assembly elections approaching, the focus is on increasing youth engagement in the democratic process.

According to the 2011 Census, Kerala's population is estimated at 3,60,63,000, yet only 2,96,552 individuals aged 18-19 (1.07%) are registered in the electoral roll. For the 20-29 age group, the percentage stands at 15.62%.

Dr. Kelkar pointed out that many young people, especially students and professionals, fail to add their names to the voter list due to a lack of interest or logistical challenges. Those studying or working outside Kerala often do not return solely to vote. This trend is particularly pronounced among professionals under the age of 30, who are also showing limited interest in elections.

The CEO emphasized the importance of including as many young voters as possible in the electoral roll to ensure greater participation. Efforts are underway to address these challenges and encourage youth to actively engage in the democratic process before the upcoming assembly elections.

The findings from this initiative could provide valuable insights into improving voter awareness and participation among young people in Kerala.