The Power of the Youth Vote: Electoral Preferences in Samar

Youth voters in Samar play a pivotal role in shaping local electoral outcomes, yet their decision-making is influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and political conditions. As an important electoral force, their participation has the potential to drive political change, making it essential to understand how they navigate the voting process. This qualitative study employs thematic analysis research design to explore the experiences of electoral preferences and understand how they assess and select political local candidates. Through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, the study identifies four major themes: (1) Youth Voters’ Preferences and Political Views, (2) Process and Criteria in Selecting Local Candidates, (3) Community Concerns that Influence Voter Preferences, and (4) Sources of Information on Local Candidates. Findings reveal that while family remains a foundational influence in early political socialization, youth voters gradually develop independent perspectives through peer interactions, social media engagement, and exposure to local governance issues. Socioeconomic concerns, candidate integrity, and the prevalence of misinformation significantly shape voter preferences. The study underscores the need for enhanced voter education, media literacy initiatives, and civic engagement programs to foster informed and active youth participation in the democratic process.