Maharashtra recorded an impressive 65.02% voter turnout in the November 20 assembly elections, the highest since 1995, when the turnout was 71.7%. This figure also surpassed the 61.39% turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 61.4% turnout in the 2019 assembly elections.
The state’s celebrities, politicians, and activists played a key role in encouraging citizens to vote, emphasizing the Election Commission’s efforts to make the voting process smoother. With elaborate arrangements at polling stations, voters were encouraged to cast their ballots.
According to the Election Commission of India (ECI), the highest turnout was recorded in Kolhapur, with 76.25% of voters casting their ballots. Gadchiroli followed with 73.68%, and Jalna recorded 72.3%. On the other hand, Mumbai City, with its ten assembly constituencies, saw the lowest turnout at just 52.07%.
To tackle urban apathy, the Election Commission focused on improving turnout in urban areas, where previous elections had shown lower participation. Special measures were taken to address this, including setting up 1,185 polling stations in high-rise buildings and residential societies and offering benches, wheelchairs, and volunteers for voters’ comfort.
The push to increase voter participation also included awareness campaigns led by film celebrities and public figures. These campaigns targeted urban and younger voters, aiming to boost engagement in a state with the highest urban population in India, with over 5.1 crore urban residents making up 45% of its population.
While Maharashtra has traditionally struggled to match the national voter turnout rate of over 66%, this election broke that trend. With 65.02% of voters casting their ballots, the state showed a clear commitment to strengthening democracy.
Key takeaways:
- 65.02% turnout in Maharashtra’s 2024 assembly elections
- Highest turnout since 1995
- Urban voter participation improved with dedicated campaigns
- Kolhapur recorded the highest turnout at 76.25%
- Mumbai City had the lowest turnout at 52.07%
This increase in voter turnout marks a significant shift in Maharashtra’s electoral landscape, signaling growing political engagement among its residents.
