T’puram: First-time voters made their presence felt across the district on polling day, with enthusiastic participation reported from specially designed youth polling stations, popularly known as ‘Gen Z booths’.A total of 14 such youth booths were set up across the district to encourage higher participation among young voters. The initiative, led by election commission in association with district administration and district SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme, aimed at making the voting experience more engaging and memorable for first-time voters. At a polling booth set up at Salvation Army premises in Kowdiar, chief electoral officer Rathan U Kelkar interacted with young voters who came to cast their ballots. According to officials, the response from first-time voters was highly encouraging, with many turning up early and actively participating in the electoral process. To mark the occasion, first-time voters at the Gen Z booths were given halwa boxes, thank-you cards signed by district collector and lucky draw coupons as tokens of appreciation. The thank-you cards, handwritten by the collector, added a personal touch to the initiative and were well received by the young electorate. The halwa boxes carried the message “My Vote, My Pride”, reinforcing the importance of electoral participation among youth. Officials noted that such gestures were aimed at instilling a sense of responsibility and pride in the democratic process. As part of the initiative, selfie points were also set up at youth booths, drawing considerable attention from voters who captured and shared their polling day moments. The visually appealing arrangements and youth-centric approach helped create a lively atmosphere at these stations. Authorities said that young voters selected through the lucky draw coupons would get an opportunity to interact directly with district collector, further incentivizing participation.
