Facebook users in India can now update their status after casting their ballot with a new "I'm a Voter" feature that the social networking giant has introduced to cash in on the election buzz. <br /> <br />For the first time in the country, users over the age of 18 will see a message at the top of their Facebook News Feed on their mobile handsets, reminding them that voting has started in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. <br />"In addition, by clicking a button that says "I'm a Voter" they will be able to post a story to their Facebook timeline, sharing with friends that they are voting in this election," Facebook Public Policy Director (India and South Asia) Ankhi Das said. <br /> <br />The election day message and "I'm a Voter" button will be visible to Facebook users only on the day of polling in their areas. <br /> <br />Social media platforms are abuzz with discussions and debates about political parties and candidates in the elections, which started on April 7 and are being held on nine days, with counting scheduled for May 16. <br /> <br />Companies, including tech firms, have come out with campaigns asking the youth to vote. <br /> <br />More than 814 million voters, including over 23 million in the 18-19 year age group, will exercise their franchise in the world's largest democracy. <br /> <br />India has the third-largest Internet base globally with more than 238 million users. There are more than 100 million active Facebook users in India. <br /> <br />Political parties are using social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to campaign and connect with the public. <br /> <br />According to digital media experts, the bulk of about 100 million first-time voters are active on social networking sites and are the main targets of parties seeking to widen their audience reach. <br /> <br />Estimates suggest that digital platforms may get a 10th of the Rs. 4,000-5,000 crore that political parties are spending on advertisements and publicity during this election.
