<![CDATA[The political preferences of first-time voters constitute an important aspect in determining the quality of local democracy. This study aims to describe the political preferences of first-time voters and the factors that shape them in the 2024 Simultaneous Regional Elections in Boalemo Regency, Gorontalo Province. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach, using observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation involving the General Elections Commission, the Elections Supervisory Body, the National Unity and Politics Office, and first-time voters; the data were then analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results show that the political preferences of first-time voters are formed through three indicators, namely political values (rights, efficacy, relevance, and authenticity), political perceptions (civic education, environmental habituation, and digital agitation), and political inclinations that are both rational and emotional. Although the participation rate reached 82.78%, the political choices of first-time voters were not yet fully rational because they remained influenced by emotional aspects. The factors that determine these political preferences include the social environment (peers and organizations/communities), the family (the tendency to follow parents and family political communication), and social media (access to digital information, the shaping of candidate image, and disinformation and hate speech). This study affirms that the sustained strengthening of political education and digital literacy is greatly needed so that first-time voters may grow into critical, independent, and responsible subjects of democracy.]]>
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