Jammu and Kashmir Registers 90K New Voters After Electoral Roll Revision

Over 90,000 new voters have been added to the electoral rolls in Jammu and Kashmir following a special summary revision, bringing the total electorate to 88.03 lakh, officials reported on Tuesday. This revision, which had a qualifying date of July 1, 2024, was completed across all 20 districts in the region. The increase includes a significant number of women and first-time voters.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Jammu and Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, highlighted the successful completion of this extensive exercise. He stated that the focus was on ensuring accuracy and inclusivity in the electoral rolls. "We have included all eligible citizens who turned 18 or registered for the first time and removed ineligible voters," he said. This effort also aimed at correcting errors to improve the overall health of the electoral rolls.

Increase in Young and Women Voters

The number of young voters aged 18 to 19 has risen by 45,964, with women making up 24,310 of this group. Overall, women voters have increased by 51,142. "This significant increase in young electors shows their commitment to the electoral process," Pole noted. The total number of young electors aged 18-29 now stands at 25.34 lakh.

The CEO attributed this rise to the comprehensive Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) plan implemented by District Election Officers under his guidance. This plan has successfully engaged young people in the electoral process.

Improvement in Gender Ratio

Special efforts during the summary revision have improved the gender ratio among electors by two points, from 959 to 961. This progress reflects better electoral inclusion of women in Jammu and Kashmir.

Alongside the increase in voter numbers, there has also been an uptick in polling stations across Jammu and Kashmir. The number of polling stations has increased by 209, from 11,629 to 11,838. Additionally, polling station locations have risen from 8,930 to 9,168.

Enhanced Accessibility for Voters

Pole explained that this increase is due to the rationalisation of polling stations and locations to ensure they are within two kilometres for voters' convenience. "This rationalisation aims to facilitate easier access for voters," he said.

As per the final electoral roll published after the Special Summary Revision -2024, there are now 88.03 lakh electors in Jammu and Kashmir. This includes 44.89 lakh males, 43.13 lakh females, and 168 third-gender electors.

The CEO also mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir currently has 83,191 registered Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters. Additionally, there are 2,428 centenarian voters aged over 100 years.

With these updates and improvements in place, Jammu and Kashmir is prepared for its upcoming legislative assembly elections. The region's commitment to inclusivity and accuracy in its electoral process is evident through these efforts.