Nearly 50% of Bengaluru Residents Choose Not to Vote in Phase 2 of Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Recently, the Election Commission reported a 69.23 per cent voter turnout in 14 constituencies in Karnataka. In Bangalore, the voter turnout was appraised at 52.81 per cent in Central, 54.42 per cent in North, and 53.15 per cent in South.

In comparison, the 2019 Lok Sabha election witnessed turnouts of 54.32 per cent in Central, 54.76 per cent in North, and 53.70 per cent in South. Despite the Election Commission’s diligent efforts to boost participation, officials expressed disappointment over the results, citing scorching summer heat as a likely deterrent for voters in the city.

In contrast, Bangalore Rural saw a turnout of 67.29 per cent, while Mandya and Kolar experienced turnouts of 81.48 per cent and 78.07 per cent, respectively. To address the low turnout in urban areas, the Karnataka Election Commission implemented various initiatives, including the use of apps, QR codes on voter slips, and improved facilities at polling stations, based on feedback garnered from previous elections.

The Voter Helpline, ‘Know Your Candidate,’ and real-time updates on the number of voters in queues and parking facilities at polling booths were among the additional measures taken to encourage voter engagement. The Commission also emphasized an extensive booth election management plan and sought to enhance facilities based on survey feedback from urban areas with historically low turnouts.