Maharashtra Assembly Elections 2024: Record 65.02% Voter Turnout, Highest Since 1995

Maharashtra, which held elections on 20 November to choose a new 288-member assembly, recorded a voter turnout of 65.02%-the highest since the 1995 assembly election, which saw a turnout of 71.7%.

The turnout also exceeded the 61.39% recorded during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 61.4% during the 2019 assembly elections, reported Hindustan Times.

The state witnessed appeals from prominent celebrities, politicians, and activists urging citizens to exercise their right to vote. Many noted that the Election Commission of India had made extensive arrangements at polling stations to ensure voter convenience.

According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), voter turnout figures as of 11:30 pm on Wednesday revealed that Kolhapur, which includes ten assembly constituencies, recorded the highest turnout at 76.25%, followed by Gadchiroli with 73.68% and Jalna with 72.30%.

In contrast, Mumbai City district, also comprising ten assembly segments, reported the lowest turnout at 52.07%. Other districts, including Thane and Mumbai Suburban, with 18 and 26 constituencies respectively, recorded turnouts of 56.05% and 55.77%.

The Election Commission highlighted its efforts to combat urban voter apathy, a persistent issue in Maharashtra's urban areas during previous state and parliamentary elections.

"Over 1,185 polling stations were set up in high-rise buildings and residential societies. Following instructions from CEC Rajiv Kumar, essential facilities were provided at the polling stations, such as benches for waiting voters, volunteers, and wheelchairs," the commission stated.

Ahead of the polls, numerous awareness campaigns and mass mobilisation efforts were launched, featuring film stars and state and national icons from the Election Commission, aimed at encouraging urban and young voters to participate.

Maharashtra has the largest urban population of any state or union territory, with over 5.1 crore urban residents comprising more than 45% of its total population. These residents are spread across 43 cities and several townships.

Despite national voter turnout consistently exceeding 66% in the last three parliamentary elections, Maharashtra has historically lagged, with its turnout averaging 60-61%. This year, however, the state broke the trend.