International Journal of Marketing & Financial Management
Print ISSN : 2349 –2546
Online ISSN : 2348 –3954
Frequency : Half Yearly
Current Issue : Volume 13 , Issue 2
2025
Samaya Chauhan, Shipra Shukla
Samaya Chauhan, Amity International School, New Delhi
Shipra Shukla, Amity School of Liberal Arts,Amity University Haryana
DOI : https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17960087 Page No : 24-41
Published Online : 2025-11-29
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ABSTRACT
This study examines voter awareness and electoral behaviour among residents of urban informal settlements, challenging the conventional perception of slum communities as passive vote banks. Drawing on survey data from 225 respondents across multiple slum clusters, the research investigates voter registration, turnout, information access, candidate preferences, and barriers to participation. Findings reveal a significant gap between high registration rates and actual voting consistency, largely due to administrative barriers, long waiting times, and documentation challenges—particularly for recent migrants. While political party workers remain the dominant source of information, increasing reliance on digital media among younger and educated residents reflects changing information ecosystems. Contrary to identity-driven assumptions, respondents promoting social development. SHGs and MFIs have been particularly effective in increasing credit prioritize aspirational candidate qualities such as honesty, education, leadership, and governance competence. Welfare concerns—including health, education, water supply, and employment—emerge as the most influential electoral issues, underscoring the pragmatic and aspirational nature of slum voters. Gender-specific constraints, particularly mobility and household responsibilities, further shape women’s political participation. The study integrates Rational Choice Theory, clientelism, and migration frameworks to highlight the strategic agency of slum residents. It concludes with policy recommendations to improve registration accessibility, strengthen information dissemination, enhance migrant inclusion, and promote merit-based political representation.
Keywords: Voter Awareness, Urban Slums, Electoral Behaviour, Political Information, Migrant Participation
