I voted, alright. But my nailpolish is ruined!: Aneesha Mathew

As the city dragged itself to the voting booths on a hot day, it was the young who charged the atmosphere, laughing, posing with the indelible ink-marked fingers for pictures they will cherish.

Many of the first-time voters told dna they were voting as they believed their votes will make a difference. But there were the pessimistic too, who were not sure how much their vote will change. But all wended their way to booth. Regardless of which candidate wins, the turnout, markedly lower at 42.47% (till 1 hour before polling ended) than 44.5% last time, ensured that democracy won.

Most of the youth were ecstatic over the opportunity to vote for the first time; some of them were visibly nervous as they waited in the queues. Some were seen consulting their elders on how to cast their votes, though not for who.

First-timers Nalini, an engineering student and Yamini, an undergraduate, daughters of Sudhakar who works with BEML, were on nine pins as they stood in the queue at a Kaggadasapura polling booth. “Dad told us what to do after entering the polling booth. He told us the process at the polling booth and how to press the button of electronic voting machine,’’ the sisters said.

Soujanya R, a BE student, also a first-timer, said she was neither nervous nor did she ask for her parents’ advice.

Many of the nervous young voters said they did not receive voter’s slips from the EC and had to depend on political parties. “I have not received my voter’s slip,’’ complained Srividya from Kaggadasapura.

Minu Nair, a chemical engineer, who had no electoral photo identity card (EPIC), had to to run from pillar to post to cast her vote. “I am yet to receive my EPIC. I brought my passport as an identity proof. They allowed me to cast my vote. Now, I feel good,’’ said Minu.

Shruthi S, a HR professional, too had no EPIC, but it did not deter her from stepping into a polling station and avail help at the kiosk set up by the state election commission. “I am yet to get the EPIC even though I applied for it in January. But I found my name in the voter’s list. They allowed me to vote. I hope that the authorities concerned will ensure that I get my EPIC as early as possible,’’ said Shruthi.

The desire to cast her vote brought Ashwini J Singh, who works with Cognizant Technology Solutions in Chennai, to Bangalore on Sunday morning. “I am leaving for Chennai in the evening. I am happy I was able to exercise my vote. I find a lack of awareness among the youth on the importance of casting their votes. I want the state election commission authorities to take measures to create awareness among the youth,’’ she said.

Tasneem, a psychologist, too was thrilled to have cast her vote. But she had a bit of advice to the would-be MLAs. “Hope they won’t forget the promises they made during the campaign.”

Siddharth Sai, a BE student, said he wants a stable government. “I am fed up with frequent changing of chief ministers.’’

K Ramya, also a BE student, echoed Sai’s view. She said said Bangaloreans were unhappy with corruption among government employees and elected representatives. “I voted because I want corruption to end,’’ she said.

Apoorva from JP Nagar always accompanied her parents as they went to vote. “All along I was a nervous little kid watching them vote. Now, I am happy I cast to have the opportunity to cast vote myself.’’

Designer Aneesha Mathew’s was not happy with the indelible ink mark on her ring finger. The reason? It marred the the nail polish on her ring finger. “I am worried that the ink mark will remain intact for two to three months.’’