PROJECT FIRST INK

Building a bridge better the Students and Democracy!

MEASURABLE IMPACT

0000

YOUNG VOTERS ENGAGED

100%

REACHING POLLING RATE

YEARS OF ADVOCACY

OUR VISION

Project First Ink is more than an initiative it is a movement to encourage the voice of every first-time and Young voters. It stands with the belief that every single vote carries Hope, Power, and Change. By focusing on students and young citizens, it strives to inspire them to step forward, overcome hesitation, and claim their rightful place in democracy.

The mission is to break down every barrier be it lack of awareness, confusion, or access so that no youth voice goes unheard.

It seeks to turn the very first vote into a moment of pride and purpose, nurturing a lifelong commitment to participation in democracy.

WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO SOLVE?

Project First Ink is a student-focused initiative lead by a law student who's request to vote was declined and Now he and his group of friends bridge the gap between education and democratic duty and encourage the students to cast their vote without any barriers. Our mission is to empower every student in India to overcome practical barriers and exercise their fundamental democratic rights through Project First Ink.

THE SYSTEMIC CHALLENGE

1. NO LEAVE/HOLIDAY

If you think students can vote through a postal ballot, the answer is no. Postal ballots are not available to everyone. They are only meant for certain categories of voters, such as special voters (like the President, Vice-President, Governors, and Union Cabinet Ministers), service voters (members of the armed forces, armed police serving outside their state, and government employees posted abroad), voters on election duty (such as polling staff and security personnel), and people who are under preventive detention.

02. BALLOT BARRIERS

Students usually do not get a holiday or special leave to go and vote. This may sound surprising, but it is true. There is no clear rule in the law that allows students to take time off from their classes or college to travel to their home constituency and cast their vote. Because of this, many students find it difficult to participate in elections, especially if they are studying far away from where they are registered to vote.

03. REASON

The declaration of a “public holiday” on polling day is limited only to the area where elections are held, and such holidays are primarily intended to ensure the smooth administrative functioning of the Election Commission rather than to directly encourage students to vote. Historically, when the Representation of the People Act, 1951 was enacted, the voting age was 21, and students were not considered a significant voting group, leading to their concerns being overlooked. However, after the 62nd Constitutional Amendment in 1988, the voting age was reduced to 18, bringing a large number of students into the voting population. Despite this important change, no corresponding amendments were made to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to provide students with necessary leave, holidays, or alternative options such as postal voting to enable them to exercise their right to vote.

OUR APPROACH

Our vision is to create a system where higher education students are fully recognized as an essential part of the democratic process, with clear laws and supportive mechanisms that enable them to exercise their right to vote without barriers. We envision a future where every student, regardless of where they study, has easy and equal access to voting, leading to greater participation and awareness. By empowering students to take part in elections at their home town, we aim to move towards 100% voter turnout and build a more inclusive, representative, and stronger nation for tomorrow.

SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT TO VOTE

Procedural changes, like new voting systems or regulations, take time to implement, and we don’t want any student to miss out their vote.

That’s why we start Project First Ink – TN2026. This initiative is dedicated to ensuring that every student can participate in the democratic process without fail. Whether the barriers are procedural or financial (such as access to transportation), Project First Ink is here to provide support.

Our goal is to create a platform where students can easily cast their vote without facing obstacles. Through guidance, resources, and hands-on assistance, we aim to empower every student to make their voice heard. No student should be left behind when it comes to shaping the future.

Join us in making voting accessible and inclusive. Because every vote matters, and every student deserves to be counted.