First-time voters exercise their franchise with overwhelming excitement - The HinduUpdated - April 24, 2026 10:52 am IST - ChennaiFirst-time voters after casting their vote at Chennai High School in Korukkupet of Dr. Radhakrishnan Nagar constituency on Thursday. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM“I was sure I didn’t want to cast my vote for NOTA,” said Vishwaa J., an 18-year-old college student in Chennai, after exercising his franchise for the first time on Thursday. “As the elections drew near, I started following politics and compared the parties as well as the candidates in my constituency,” he said. While he was aware of the voting process, Mr. Vishwaa said he was able to shake off his nervousness only after exiting the booth.Mirroring the feeling, a 19-year-old first-time voter, Fravio Samson, from Therespuram area in Thoothukudi, said he had been excited to cast his vote for the past six months. He travelled to his hometown from Chennai to exercise his franchise. “I was anxious while waiting in the queue, but felt relieved after casting my vote,” he said.Published - April 24, 2026 12:06 am ISTSign in to unlock member-only benefits!Access 10 free stories every monthSave stories to read laterAccess to comment on every storySign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single clickGet notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products${ ind + 1 } ${ device }Last active - ${ la }