Exploring Youth's Knowledge, Attitudes, and Readiness Towards Implementation of Undi18 in Batang Padang District, Perak

Abstract

The amendment to the Federal Constitution in 2019, lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, sparked discussions on the preparedness and maturity of individuals in this age group to participate in elections. Recognizing the necessity for a comprehensive political communication strategy to effectively engage and prepare youth, a structured framework with a defined objective has been developed. This study aims to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and readiness among youth in the Batang Padang district regarding voting at age 18, and analyse the factors influencing their participation. Using a quantitative approach, the study employs a questionnaire as its primary instrument, gathering responses from a sample of 462 individuals aged 18 to 20 in the Batang Padang district, Perak. The findings reveal a commendable level of knowledge among youth, albeit with a moderate attitude and readiness towards voting. Furthermore, the study identifies motivating factors for youth participation in voting, including personal responsibility, political party influence, peer interactions, the impact of social media influencers, and family influence. This research aims to provide valuable insights and empirical data to stakeholders, aiding in the development of targeted strategies to engage and prepare youth for active participation in the nation's democratic processes.