<p>When G Nanjappa cast his first vote, he wrote the candidate's number on a paper and dropped it in a box. Today, the 89-year-old's constituency has a VVPAT.</p>.<p>DH spoke to senior citizens to draw a comparison between their first election and now.</p>.<p>"I have lived here since I was five and have come to the same booth ever since," Nanjappa told DH.</p>.<p>Now, it is the third generation of voters in his family. "I have not missed an election. I encourage youngsters to vote. All they need is an identity proof," he added.</p>.<p>A retired transport inspector, Nanjappa recollects booth 49, where he voted on Thursday, as a place that wasn't easily accessible. "As I was the inspector, I requested at least one bus," he remembered.</p>.<p>Over the years, the process has become easier, felt Nanjappa. "Even candidates are better now," he said. Nanjappa's wife who is 83, was accompanied by her grandson.</p>.<p>Lakshmamma (67) and her two daughters cast votes at Govindarajnagar in Bengaluru South.</p>.<p>"I first voted when Indira Gandhi first came to power. Back then, I was given Rs 300. In fact, we weren't aware who sent the money. Now, the situation is different," she recollected. Today, Lakshmamma lives on a meagre Rs 1,000 pension.</p>.<p>A few senior citizens believe nothing changed over the years and promises by candidates remain on paper. 76-year-old Lakshmi Bai believes otherwise.</p>.<p>Over the years, candidates have turned more responsible and work better, she thinks. </p>.<p>Jayakakshmi recalls when campaigns involved megaphones, roadshows and groups knocking on doors seeking votes.</p>.<p>Senior citizens believe the focus has now shifted to social media and smartphones. Campaigns on Facebook, WhatsApp and such, overpower real-time campaigning, they say.</p>
<p>When G Nanjappa cast his first vote, he wrote the candidate's number on a paper and dropped it in a box. Today, the 89-year-old's constituency has a VVPAT.</p>.<p>DH spoke to senior citizens to draw a comparison between their first election and now.</p>.<p>"I have lived here since I was five and have come to the same booth ever since," Nanjappa told DH.</p>.<p>Now, it is the third generation of voters in his family. "I have not missed an election. I encourage youngsters to vote. All they need is an identity proof," he added.</p>.<p>A retired transport inspector, Nanjappa recollects booth 49, where he voted on Thursday, as a place that wasn't easily accessible. "As I was the inspector, I requested at least one bus," he remembered.</p>.<p>Over the years, the process has become easier, felt Nanjappa. "Even candidates are better now," he said. Nanjappa's wife who is 83, was accompanied by her grandson.</p>.<p>Lakshmamma (67) and her two daughters cast votes at Govindarajnagar in Bengaluru South.</p>.<p>"I first voted when Indira Gandhi first came to power. Back then, I was given Rs 300. In fact, we weren't aware who sent the money. Now, the situation is different," she recollected. Today, Lakshmamma lives on a meagre Rs 1,000 pension.</p>.<p>A few senior citizens believe nothing changed over the years and promises by candidates remain on paper. 76-year-old Lakshmi Bai believes otherwise.</p>.<p>Over the years, candidates have turned more responsible and work better, she thinks. </p>.<p>Jayakakshmi recalls when campaigns involved megaphones, roadshows and groups knocking on doors seeking votes.</p>.<p>Senior citizens believe the focus has now shifted to social media and smartphones. Campaigns on Facebook, WhatsApp and such, overpower real-time campaigning, they say.</p>
