Authors:
Mansi Vashist, Suman Vashist, Charu Thakur, Tania Sharma, Rakhi Gill

Addresses:
Department of Political Science, Indrapratha College for Women, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India. Department of Mental Health Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India. Department of Paramedical, Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. Department of Community Health Nursing, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Abstract:

In Indian elections, the None of the Above (NOTA) option has sparked debate and discussions regarding its role in enhancing democracy. This study employs a quantitative research approach, using a survey-based methodology, to understand the reasons for young voters' reluctance to engage in elections and the underuse of the NOTA option. The survey findings reveal strong support for online and digital voting options, which could simplify the voting process and encourage more young people to cast ballots.  Furthermore, youth voter apathy is greatly influenced by widespread distrust of political parties and the belief that voting does not produce meaningful results. To ensure greater electoral engagement in the world's largest democracy, the research seeks strategies to improve democratic procedures and increase youth voter turnout. India can set the stage for a more efficient, reliable, and participatory voting system that really involves all citizens by putting these thorough proposals into practice.

Keywords: Voter Apathy; Youth Voter Turnout; Electoral Reforms; Political Participation; Voter Trust; Digital Voting; Electoral Awareness; Voter Involvement; Electoral Participation.

Received on: 11/05/2025, Revised on: 13/07/2025, Accepted on: 13/09/2025, Published on: 03/03/2026

DOI: 10.69888/FTSPL.2026.000578

FMDB Transactions on Sustainable Public and Law, 2026 Vol. 1 No. 1, Pages: 9-26

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