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.

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.
"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.

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.

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  Show less