This is my first vote

by Husna Inayathullah and Mary Eliot

They are what the Guardian UK once referred to as the 'Virgin Voters', youngsters coming of age, getting a say in the country's governance. The right to vote is a fundamental right and is one of the most critical ways that individuals can influence governmental decision-making.

Exercising that right places a great onus on the individual to use his franchise wisely. The intelligent voter is the one who places great value on his vote, dwells on his ideals and takes into consideration the qualities of the candidate before 'X' marking his preference, accepting that though his is a single vote, it is important because it can bring about a change in the political climate. Still, for a first timer the novelty of voting can be an exciting experience.

So what do Sri Lanka's Virgin Voters have to say about the voting experience that's hovering in the horizon? Do they know the value of their votes? What are their key concerns? What issues do they think the candidates should be adopting? The individual they want to call their representative? The type of government they want to bring in? We asked these questions from a cross section of youngsters who have already registered themselves at the Department of Elections and are eagerly awaiting their first General Election experience as participating voters.

And this is what they had to say:

My vote is important

Varrshneyan- Telecommunications Engineering student - 19 years old:

"I am excited to vote for the first time. I hope that I make a good choice in my vote. As a student I will vote for the ones who will help and guide us in information technology education.

 Today it is a digitalized world, so if there is someone who is willing to improve the technological side, my vote is for him or her. The present government is doing a good job and when it comes to education, I cannot criticize them.

I think that my vote is important so I will pass my vote. I watch the campaigns on the television and read newspapers. Social media and Facebook have a major effect on the elections. Social media can change a government in a flash. The new political culture is good after the January 8th elections."

It's up to us to elect the right person

Gayathri - 20 years old:

"At the beginning it was pretty scary as I have not voted before. In Sri Lanka there is no system which educates people on how to vote, and the procedures of voting such as what is a valid and an invalid vote. There are many politicians who are crossing over from one side to another, so I have not yet decided as to whom I am going to cast my vote.

Our votes this time will have a great influence and will determine the country's course for the next five to six years. So it is in our hands to select the right person. Today, our country is in a good position and I think that our votes are extremely important to make it better. There is a lot of election violence happening around.

A woman lost her life recently in Kotahena. It is the place where I reside and it was really scary to see the violence happening around. The elections have not gone very smoothly so far. The March 12 declaration has had a positive impact and a good recognition. The international community is happy about the progress in human rights"

Worried about the alcohol and drugs culture

Kalindu - Biomedical student - 20 years old:

"I am really excited about my first vote. I think that my vote will be useful for Sri Lanka's future. I am so worried about the alcohol and drugs culture in Sri Lanka. So many youngsters are exploited. I think this time something positive will happen.

I think it is the right of each and every citizen of this country to vote for the right person. I am interested in politics, so I follow the election campaigns on television, radio and social media."

Really scary to go for political meetings

Rismi - Business Management student - 20 years old:

"I am so happy that I can vote this time. I think that our voting right is important as citizens of Sri Lanka. Today it is really scary to go for political meetings as it is dangerous for our lives. We do not know what will happen.

I think that UNP and JVP will get many votes as they are doing a great job."

I am not happy about this situation

Ammar - Telecommunications Engineering student - 20 years old:

"After the politicians get their vote, they do not bother about the people who voted for them. I am not happy about this situation.

I like the present President and the Government. They are doing a great job. I follow the political campaigns. Under the present government, there is unity among the religious groups."

How do I vote?

A step-by-step guide for first-time voters

A significant percentage of Sri Lanka's young may be casting their votes for the first time in the August 17 General Election. They might know who to vote for, but will they know what to do?

Here's a step-by-step guide to how to vote ...

1. Register

Sorry, but if you haven't registered to vote - either in person, by post or via proxy - by now, you won't be able to take part in the August 17 election.

2. Go to the polling station

Assuming you registered to vote in person, you can turn up at your local polling station on August 17 - from 7 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. A polling card with the address should have been posted to you by your Grama Niladhari. You can also contact your Grama Niladhari to double-check where your polling station is. It will be a public building, such as a school or Buddhist temple, near to where you live.

3. Get your ballot paper

Give your name and address and present your National ID card to staff at the polling station. They should then give you a ballot paper.

4. Enter the polling booth

To ensure that voting takes place in secret, you must cast it in the polling booth. Read the ballot paper carefully - it will tell you how to make your vote. Usually this is by placing a cross next to the political party symbol and three candidate of your choice, though other marks, such as a tick, are usually deemed acceptable. No other marks should be put on other parts ballot paper, or your vote may not be counted.

Although taking a selfie while in the ballot paper is not illegal, the powers that be advise against it. Anyone who inadvertently reveals how someone else voted is liable to be penalized.

5. Put it in the box

Fold your ballot paper in half and place it in the ballot box.

Pix: by Susantha Wijegunasekara