Patna: The second and final phase of polling for the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections is underway today, and among the lakhs of voters who turned up early at polling stations, first-time voters are stealing the spotlight.

From Patna to Sitamarhi, Bhagalpur to Gaya, the enthusiasm of the youth is shaping the mood of the election day, with education, jobs, and women’s safety emerging as key issues that dominate their minds.

At Rasulpur Panchayat in Belaganj Assembly constituency, 19-year-old Sonal Singh and her classmate Amarjeet Kumar were among the earliest to arrive at Polling Station No. 252, located inside the Middle School premises.

Both of them voted for the first time and said they felt proud to be part of the democratic process.

“I was very excited to vote for the first time,” said Sonal Singh with a smile. “It’s important for students to vote for their future. Every vote matters—it can help improve the education system and open more opportunities for young people.”

Long queues were reported in several booths across Sitamarhi district, where many young voters, particularly college students, turned up in large numbers.

At one such booth, Zara Naseem, a 20-year-old first-time voter, said her ballot was a message for change. “The new government that comes should bring a better education system and modern learning infrastructure. I voted for this very purpose,” she said.

In Bhagalpur, enthusiasm among new voters was equally visible. Anu Kumari, a 21-year-old BA student, said she voted for better facilities for women. “This election is not just about leaders—it’s about our safety, our education, and equal opportunities for women,” she said.

Several polling stations in the district reported high female turnout, reflecting a growing awareness among young women about the power of their vote.

Election officials reported that despite the early morning chill, the turnout in many youth-dominated booths was encouraging. Across Bihar, authorities had set up voter awareness campaigns, selfie zones, and first-time voter badges to motivate participation.

The Election Commission of India said polling was smooth and peaceful across all districts. Officials expressed satisfaction over the active participation of young and first-time voters, calling it a “positive sign for Bihar’s democratic maturity.”

With over 1.4 crore voters eligible in the second phase, the final outcome will be declared after counting next week. But one thing is clear already — Bihar’s young voters have made their voices heard, and their focus on education and progress could well redefine the state’s political narrative.