Polling began early Tuesday in Kochi at Central School, Gandhi Nagar. Antony Joy expressed frustration, saying “Nothing will change,” as he helped his 80-year-old mother Elsy Devassy vote. ‘‘How can one not vote? I have never missed casting my vote ever in my life,’’ said Devassy proudly despite her health issues. Another senior voter, 85-year-old Prestheena, stressed the importance of voting despite difficulty walking. Meanwhile, 32-year-old Nikhil Sebastian voted for the first time after years abroad. ‘‘I left India when I was 20. This is the only time I could vote here,’’ he said with a smile. At SDPY Boys Higher Secondary School in Palluruthy, young voters gathered in large numbers. Joel Xavier, 20, expressed excitement about voting and thought politics should be part of college life to raise awareness. First-time voter Ardra T.S., 21, admitted she was nervous but found the process smooth. Priyadha Prakash, another excited 20-year-old, said voting made her feel ‘‘part of something bigger’’ and brought a sense of maturity. Across Kochi’s polling stations, a lively democratic spirit united citizens young and old. Published December 09, 2025 08:07 pm IST.