Uninformed Choice: Exploring Knowledge Gaps Among First-Time Voters In The 2024 Legislative Elections

Abstract

First-time voters represent a significant portion of the electorate, accounting for 13% of the 204.8 million eligible voters, making their participation crucial in determining election outcomes. The election of Regional Representative Council (DPD) members is as important as the election of House of Representatives (DPR) members. However, several studies reveal that many citizens, especially first-time voters, lack a complete understanding of the DPD's primary roles and responsibilities. This knowledge gap, particularly regarding the DPD elections, is worth further analysis, especially in the context of the 2024 DPD General Election in Bengkulu Province. This study employs a qualitative descriptive approach to explore first-time voters' knowledge of the DPD election, the candidates running, and their voting choices. Field findings indicate a high level of awareness among novice voters in Bengkulu City but also reveal gaps in their understanding of the DPD election. Awareness of the election is primarily obtained through social media, including information from candidate accounts, influencers, and election organizers. The findings also highlight a tendency for delayed decision-making, raising concerns about potential vulnerability to money politics.