Chennai Central Records Lowest Voter Turnout in Tamil Nadu Despite Election Office Efforts

The Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu recorded the lowest voter participation of 53.91% among the 39 constituencies in the state during the 2024 Parliamentary elections, despite efforts by the Chennai District Election Office to increase voter participation through SVEEP (Systematic Voter Education and Electoral Participation) activities.

At 3 pm on the polling day, the overall state turnout was 51.41%, with Dharmapuri, Namakkal, and Kallakurichi recording the highest participation rates of 57.86%, 57.67%, and 57.34% respectively. Eight constituencies, including the three in Chennai - North, South, and Central - polled below 50% at 3 pm, with Chennai Central recording the lowest turnout of 41.47%.

The low turnout in Chennai Central was in contrast to the overall state average of 69.46%. The Chennai District Election Office had conducted 47 different kinds of SVEEP activities to educate voters, but many booths still recorded a low turnout, especially in areas like Villivakkam, Virugambakkam, and Kolathur. The highest turnout in the Chennai Central constituency was registered in Egmore, while Saidapet recorded the highest turnout in South Chennai.

The number of voters increased in the evening at several polling booths. Voting ended late in the evening at some booths due to a large number of electors gathering to cast their votes. First-time voters were found in many booths in the evening in areas such as Royapettah, Alwarpet, Vepery, Anna Nagar, Villivakkam, Chepauk, Triplicane, and Egmore. Election officials had to intervene to control the commotion at a cluster of seven polling booths in Sundaram Street, Chennai Corporation ward 99, Choolai, where a large number of electors gathered late in the evening to cast their ballots.

Why this matters: The low voter turnout in Chennai Central, despite the efforts of election authorities, raises concerns about voter apathy and the effectiveness of voter mobilization initiatives in the region. It underscores the importance of addressing the underlying causes of low participation to ensure all voices are heard and represented in the democratic process.

As of 7 PM, the overall voter turnout in Tamil Nadu was 72.09%, higher than the 71.87% reported in the 2019 elections. The election witnessed a three-cornered fight amongst the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP, with a total of 950 candidates in the fray. Chief Electoral Officer Satyabrata Sahoo stated that the final overall voter turnout figure for the state will be available by the next day.

Key Takeaways

• Chennai Central recorded lowest voter turnout of 53.91% in TN 2024 elections.
• Overall TN turnout was 51.41% at 3 PM, with Dharmapuri, Namakkal, Kallakurichi highest.
• 8 constituencies, including 3 in Chennai, polled below 50% at 3 PM.
• Voter mobilization efforts by election authorities failed to boost turnout in Chennai Central.
• Final TN turnout was 72.09%, higher than 2019 elections, with 950 candidates contesting.