- By Akansha Pandey
- Sat, 27 Sep 2025 06:38 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
A survey by the Election Commission on the reasons for voting in past elections shows that the number of people who vote based on party preference has decreased. On the other hand, the number of those who vote due to personal contact from the candidate has increased.
While the influence of the head of the family has reduced, the impact of discussion has grown. Only 2.6 per cent of participants said they voted for the candidate suggested by the head of their family. Political discussion within the family was seen to have a significant influence on the choice of candidates.
Among the factors influencing voting priorities, 41.4 per cent of participants stated that their family's opinion influences their voting decision. 40.3 per cent said their preference is based on the candidate contesting the election.
Only 4.2 per cent cited caste and 1.1 per cent cited religion as factors influencing their voting choice. In previous elections, the main reason for voting was affiliation with a political party.
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Reasons For Not Voting
According to the Commission's KAP Endline Survey, the most prominent reason cited by those who did not vote in previous elections was the lack of a voter identification card. 26.1 per cent of participants said they did not go to the polling booth because they did not have a voter ID card.
6.3 per cent cited the distance to the polling station, 6.8 percent cited the lack of a good candidate, and the largest group, 30.1 per cent, stated they did not reach the polling booth because they were not in their constituency on polling day.
11.2 per cent cited their name not being on the electoral roll as the main reason for not voting. Only 0.2 per cent said they felt unsafe going to the polling station.
According to a survey conducted after the 2024 elections
| Reasons for voting | Percentage of participants |
|---|---|
| Political supporters | 32.2 |
| threats or pressure | 0.3 |
| at the behest of the head of the family | 2.6 |
| Influenced by friends | 1.9 |
| To defeat a candidate or party | 0.4 |
| It was my duty or right | 0.4 |
| Due to the appeal and advertisement of the Commission | 0.8 |
| I am registered in the voter list | 5.2 |
| The candidate was good | 1.6 |
| The candidate was from my choice, community and religion. | 2.9 |
| The candidate met in person | 33.9 |
| Offering money, alcohol and inducements | 0.1 |
| other reason | 17.0 |
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