THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: 70 percent of people who turned 18 in the last two years in the state are not on the voter list. According to education records, more than 10 lakh people have turned 18 years of age during this period but only 2,88,533 are on the electoral roll. The fact is that most did not apply. Youngsters were very interested in adding their names to the list in the past.

There is criticism that the devaluation in politics is holding them back. They also don't like glorifying leaders. Gone are the days when political party leaders and representatives of local bodies added the names of maiden voters in their respective areas to the voter's list. Now the name is added online.

Maiden voters used to turn up enthusiastically back when the Election Commission organized local camps to issue ID cards. Everyone was eager to get the election card as it is also an official ID card. Later, with the arrival of the Aadhaar card as an identification document, the interest in the Election Commission's card decreased. They are not interested in applying again if their name does not appear on the voter list despite their application

People who wrote SSLC

2019: 4,34,729

2020: 4,22,092

Central Syllabus: 1.5 Lakhs

Total: 1006821

Political shows backfired

1. Devaluing of politics, shows and outspoken criticism on social media reduced the interest of the youth.
2. Increased number of people going abroad and out of state for higher studies and livelihood.
3. As families moved into flats, public servants had less opportunity to meet and interact with them.

Name can still be added

There is still an opportunity to add your name so that you can vote in this year's Lok Sabha elections. Applications can be filed before the election. The facility is available on the website of the State Chief Electoral Officer (www.ceo.kerala.gov.in). The application should be uploaded along with proof of age. It can also be done through Akshaya Kendras. The final voter list is available at Taluk Offices and Village Offices. New voters are issued chip-embedded cards with security features.

Women are less among maiden voters

Male voters aged 18-19: 1,47,970

Women Voters: 1,40,542

Transgender: 21

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In total electoral roll

Males: 1,31,02,288

Women: 1,39,96,729

Transgender: 309