Uttarakhand Records Low Voter Turnout in 2024 Lok Sabha Polls, Hills Perform Worst

Uttarakhand recorded a voter turnout of 53.64% in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, ranking 19th out of 21 states and union territories. The state's overall voter turnout was the third lowest in the country, after Bihar (47.49%) and Rajasthan (50.95%). The hills in the Kumaon and Garhwal regions performed the worst compared to the districts in the plains.

Among the five Lok Sabha constituencies in Uttarakhand, Nainital recorded the highest turnout at 59.36%, while Almora had the lowest at 44.53%. The voter turnout ranged from 44.43% in Almora to 59.36% in Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar. The turnout in the mountainous Lok Sabha seats was lower compared to the plain seats.

The Election Commission had set a target of 75% voter turnout in Uttarakhand for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. However, it is doubtful whether the target of 60% turnout on all five seats will be achieved, as the turnout in 2019 was 61.88%. The voter turnout this year was lower than the 58.01% recorded in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

Why this matters: The low voter turnout in Uttarakhand, particularly in the hill regions, raises concerns about the level of political engagement and participation in the state. It highlights the need for efforts to increase voter awareness and address the factors contributing to the low turnout, ensuring that the democratic process is more inclusive and representative of the population.

Social worker Anoop Nautiyal termed the low turnout a "sad state of affairs" and a "matter of immense concern", noting that it could mean over 35 lakh out of 83 lakh voters in the state did not cast their votes. The BJP, which swept all five Lok Sabha seats in the state in 2014 and 2019, is aiming for another clean sweep, while the Congress is hoping to regain lost ground. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami urged voters to exercise their democratic rights and elect a strong and decisive government at the Centre.

Key Takeaways

• Uttarakhand recorded 53.64% voter turnout, ranking 19th out of 21 states/UTs.
• Voter turnout was lower in hill regions compared to plains, ranging from 44.53% to 59.36%.
• The 75% turnout target set by EC is doubtful, as 2024 turnout was lower than 2019.
• Low turnout raises concerns about political engagement, needs efforts to increase awareness.
• BJP aims for clean sweep, Congress hopes to regain ground in the state.