Voting Pattern and Choices Among the Youth (18-28) in Ranchi Study Notes

SUPERVISOR AND SUBMISSION DETAILS

  • Supervisor: Prof. Ivana Chakraborty
  • Submitted by: Group 4
    • Rakhi Tigga (2308)
    • Ankita Bazra (2367)
    • Vaishnavi Kumari (2314)
    • Sezal Saumya Demta (2321)
    • Maigy Kumari (2365)
    • Muskan Mehta (2380)
    • Drishti Kushwaha (2350)
    • Anshu Kumar (2378)
    • Anugrah Bishwas Toppo (2364)
  • Title: Voting Pattern and Choices Among the Youth (18-28) in Ranchi
  • Research Report Submitted To: The Department of Sociology
  • In Partial Fulfillment of the Degree of: Bachelor of Arts in Sociology (2023-2027)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  • Gratitude to:
    • The Almighty for blessings and inspiration.
    • Dr. Ivana Chakraborty, research guide and Head of the Department, for time and valuable contributions.
    • Respondents for participation in the project, critical for its success.
    • Family and companions for support and suggestions.
  • Date: 05.04.2026
  • Place: Ranchi

PREFACE

  • Purpose of Research: Analyze voting patterns and choices among youth (ages 18-28) in Ranchi.
  • Objectives:
    • Understanding how information about candidates and elections is received.
    • Analyzing the influence of socio-cultural factors on voting choices.
    • Investigating the impact of social media on voting decisions.
    • Identifying sources of comparison used by voters for candidates.
  • Methodology: Mixed-methods approach incorporating questionnaire data (n=50) and interview data (n=75).
  • Key Findings:
    • 72% obtain electoral information via social media.
    • 52% find it easy to register for voting.
    • 80% compare candidates based on past performances.
    • 66% express preference for younger candidates.
    • 86% indicate a need for electoral reform.
    • 56% want better measures against fake news.

CONTENTS

  • S. No. TOPIC Page No.

    1. Introduction 5
    2. Literature Review 6
    3. Research Methodology 12
    4. Analysis and Findings 14
    5. Discussion 31
    6. Conclusion 33
    7. References 36

  • S.No. CHART/TABLE Page No.
    1.1 Source of information about the candidate 14
    1.2 Reason for participating in the voting process 16
    2.1 Level of ease while enrolling the name for voting 17
    2.2 Accuracy of information on voting slips compared to ID 18
    3.1 Factors influencing voter preference based on caste 20
    3.2 Candidate religion and candidate protection of interests 21
    4.1 Trust in political information on social media 23
    4.2 Difficulty in identifying truthful social media content 24
    5.1 Candidate comparison methods 25
    6.1 Preference for Youth candidates 27
    7.1 Public perception of necessary electoral reforms 29

INTRODUCTION

  • Importance of Voting:
    • Voting represents a fundamental right in democracy, allowing individuals to participate in governance.
    • In India, youth (ages 18-28) increasingly influence electoral outcomes.
  • Influences on Voting for Youth:
    • Young voters are impacted by social media, college education, and political communication rather than solely familial ties.
  • Research Objective:
    • Investigate factors influencing voting decisions among youth, including thoughts, identity, promises from politicians, and social media impact.
    • Assess youth political knowledge and capacity for informed decision-making to strengthen democracy.

LITERATURE REVIEW

  • Voting Participation:
    • Defined as a basic form of political expression, impacting governmental decisions and party policies.
    • Gordon Marshall: Voting behavior analysis focuses on decision-making determinants.
  • Determinants of Voting Behavior:
    • Factors encompass demographic influences (age, gender, income, education), emotional ties to political parties, and charismatic leaders.
    • Caste and religion considerably impact Indian electoral choices.
  • **Key Studies:
    • Historical Context:**
      • Bihar’s political landscape marked by casteism, showcasing a shift to development-focused voting.
    • Socio-Psychological Factors:
      • Family shape voter alignment; education influences voter attitudes.
    • Voting Behavior Complexity:
      • Requires interdisciplinary study, merging political science with psychology.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

  • Research Type: Empirical study utilizing both primary and secondary data.
  • Primary Methods:
    • Questionnaire with 25 closely related questions on voting behavior.
    • Scheduled interviews conducted for qualitative insights.
  • Sample Size:
    • Total: 125 respondents; 50 for questionnaires and 75 for interviews.
  • Sampling Method:
    • Combination of incidental and purposive sampling to assess youth attitudes.
    • Valid questionnaires that facilitate comprehensive responses.
  • Analytical Techniques:
    • Descriptive and qualitative analysis emphasizing percentage distributions and cross-tabulation.

ANALYSIS AND FINDINGS

Part 1: Sources of Information & Participation Reasons

  • Information Sources:
    • Predominantly accessed via social media (33 out of 50), followed by rallies (5), television (3), and family/friends (9).
  • Participation Reasons:
    • Civic duty (31), driving change (14), community interests (4), specific leader support (1).

Part 2: Voter Registration & Enrollment

  • Registration Status:
    • 35 registered, 13 not registered, 11 unsure.
  • Enrollment Ease:
    • 26 found signing up easy, 13 somewhat easy, 11 somewhat difficult.

Part 3: Socio-Cultural Factors

  • Caste Preference:
    • 43 prefer candidates not of same caste, emphasizing qualifications over caste identity.
  • Religion in Voting:
    • 42 do not feel religion affects voting, expressing merit-based preferences.
    • Language importance is recognized (30 find it important a candidate speaks their language).

Part 4: Social Media Influence

  • Trust in Information:
    • 41 trust information if sourced reliably; 3 completely trust social media sources.
    • Awareness of social media biases (38 see media as biased).
  • Mind Change from Posts:
    • 34 encountered posts that influenced candidate opinions.

Part 5: Candidate Comparison Methods

  • Comparison Methods:
    • 44 compare candidates; 33 read past work, 11 watch speeches.
    • Primary criteria is candidates’ previous work (80%) over promises or party affiliation.

Part 6: Preference for Younger Candidates

  • Younger Candidates Preference:
    • 41 prefer younger candidates due to energy and modern ideas.
    • Examples provided illustrating reasons related to empathy towards youth issues.

Part 7: Areas for Electoral Improvement

  • Electoral Satisfaction:
    • 4 satisfied, 43 think changes are needed, primarily in speeding up voter registration and combating misinformation (28 respondents).

DISCUSSION

  • Young voters display evolving patterns, often favoring individual perspectives over familial influence.
  • Active decision-making topics include jobs, education, and governance rather than traditional caste/religion biases.
  • Challenges posed by misinformation through social media necessitate proactive education on critically assessing political information and election processes.

CONCLUSION

  • Survey reflects growing youth awareness in Ranchi, affirming media and family as critical influences.
  • Qualitative results indicate youth weigh candidates’ past actions more than traditional social identity factors.
  • Recommendations:
    • Enhance voter education efforts on political issues and decision-making processes.
    • Streamline voter registration and combat misinformation.
    • Emphasize practices promoting independence in voter behavior, strengthening democratic engagement.

REFERENCES

  • Multiple scholarly articles encompassing voting behavior, determinants, and sociocultural factors impact on voter decisions were cited, facilitating comprehensive understanding and analysis of current political engagement among youth in India.