Beyond the Evms: Gendered Patterns of Youth Voting Behaviour in Rural Haryana, India

Voting in the elections is the most visible form of political participation in democratic countries. It not only sustains democratic governance but also ensures that diverse voices are represented. In rural societies, it allows marginalized groups to assert their agency in shaping local governance. Understanding the dynamics of voting behavior, especially among youth and women, as they represent both the beneficiaries and drivers of change in rural society, is vital for fostering an inclusive democratic culture. However, before reaching out to the EVMs/ballot their voting decision is affected by many demographic factors. The present study seeks to explore how gender influences the voting decisions of rural youth, focusing on the specific demographic, cultural, and structural factors driving these differences. This study has been conducted in two villages of Haryana, a state in north India, where The Haryana Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Act, 2015 introduced educational qualifications for candidates and has further affected the electoral landscape, influencing male and female youth political participation. In the context of the Gram Panchayat elections in Haryana, where traditional norms and patriarchal structures are prevalent, this study uses a post-poll sample survey method, offering a sociological perspective on the role of youth engagement in the democratic processes of their communities. The findings reveal that while modern factors such as education and developmental aspirations influence the youth's voting behavior, deeply rooted social structures, and established community affiliations remain crucial for their voting. Male youth are more likely to engage in political participation driven by personal contact with candidates and campaign outreach, while family opinions and lineage affiliations often guide female youth. These gendered patterns of political socialization highlight the persistence of patriarchal norms and political autonomy and the need for policies that promote greater independence and empowerment for female youth in the political sphere.