Lok Sabha elections 2024: EC data reveals drop in absolute number of votes in 88 seats compared to 2019 turnout

Issues such as long queues, insufficient polling stations, and lack of transportation facilities can deter voters.

The absolute number of votes cast have seen a drop in as many as 88 constituencies as compared to the voter turnout five years ago in 2019, the Election Commission data showed.

Most of the phases in the current Lok Sabha elections have seen lower voting in absolute numbers as compared to 2019.

As many as 258 constituencies have seen lower voter percentage and 88 seats have seen the absolute number of voters drop as compared to 2019 lok sabha elections, a TOI report said.

All 20 of Kerala constituencies have seen a drop in the voter turnout. In Uttarakhand, five seats saw lower voting. In Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu as much as 90 percent of seats saw lower voter turnout and half of the constituencies witnessed the voter turnout drop in absolute numbers. One-third of the constituencies in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh saw lesser polling than in 2019.

In Bihar, 21 seats saw lower voting percentage and one seat saw the voter turnout drop in absolute numbers. In Maharashtra, 20 constituencies saw lower voting percentage while 6 seats witnessed the absolute number of voters drop.

Chhattisgarh was the only state which saw higher voting percentage and voter turnout in absolute numbers as compared to 2019 in every constituency.

Instances of decreased turnout in specific constituencies can occur due to various reasons such as voter apathy, dissatisfaction with candidates, or logistical issues. For instance, urban areas like Mumbai often see lower voter participation compared to rural regions.

Issues such as long queues, insufficient polling stations, and lack of transportation facilities can deter voters. Additionally, the Election Commission of India has been working to address these issues through initiatives like better voter education and more accessible polling stations.

Addressing low voter turnout in India requires a multifaceted approach, including improving voter education, enhancing the voting process, and fostering greater civic engagement among all demographic groups. Lack of civic education and awareness about the importance of voting is a critical factor. Efforts to increase voter awareness and education through campaigns, both by the Election Commission and civil society organizations, aim to address this issue.