Maharashtra has set a new milestone in voter participation, with a voter turnout of 65.02% in the
2024 assembly elections, marking the highest turnout since 1995. This achievement surpasses
the 61.39% turnout in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the 61.4% recorded in the 2019 state
elections. The success is being hailed as a major accomplishment, particularly in a state where
urban apathy has traditionally kept voter turnout levels lower than the national average.
Strong Voter Participation Across the State
The turnout figures, released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), show significant
participation from across the state. Kolhapur, a region with ten assembly constituencies,
emerged with the highest voter turnout at 76.25%, followed by Gadchiroli with 73.68%, and
Jalna at 72.30%. While these rural and semi-rural areas reported high voter engagement, the
urban districts of Mumbai saw comparatively lower participation. Mumbai City, which includes
ten assembly segments, recorded the lowest turnout at just 52.07%, and neighboring districts
like Thane and Mumbai Suburban had turnouts of 56.05% and 55.77%, respectively.
Efforts to Engage Voters.
To address the perennial challenge of low voter turnout, particularly in urban areas, the Election
Commission undertook special measures to make the voting process more accessible and
engaging. Over 1,185 polling stations were set up in high-rise buildings and residential societies
across the state, reflecting Maharashtra’s urbanized population. Facilities such as benches,
volunteers, and wheelchairs were made available to ensure the convenience of voters,
especially in areas with higher elderly and disabled populations.
In addition, the Election Commission launched a series of awareness campaigns aimed at
increasing voter participation, particularly among urban and first-time voters. The campaigns
featured prominent film celebrities and influential figures from both state and national spheres,
encouraging people to get out and vote. The efforts targeted younger voters and city residents,
who have historically shown lower engagement in state and parliamentary elections.
A Long-Awaited Break from Tradition
Maharashtra, which has the largest urban population among all Indian states, has often
struggled to match the national voter turnout averages. While national elections have seen
turnouts exceeding 66%, Maharashtra’s turnout has typically hovered around 60-61%. However,
the 2024 assembly elections broke this trend, marking a significant shift in the state’s voting
behavior.
Maharashtra is home to more than 5.1 crore urban residents, comprising over 45% of its total
population. These residents live in more than 43 cities and several townships, contributing to the
state’s urbanization challenges. Despite the consistent push for voter participation, previous
elections in the state failed to draw the level of engagement seen in rural and semi-rural areas.
This time, the state’s voter turnout outpaced expectations, indicating a positive shift in public
participation. It was especially notable considering the consistent voter apathy in urban
constituencies where people are more likely to feel disconnected from the political process.
The Way Forward
The success of the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections in terms of voter turnout can be seen
as a result of a combination of factors. The Election Commission’s proactive measures,
including the creation of voter-friendly polling stations and the use of celebrity endorsements,
have helped galvanize participation, especially in areas that had seen previous voter disinterest.
Additionally, public figures and activists, urging citizens to embrace their civic duty, played a
pivotal role in encouraging first-time voters.
Despite the challenges posed by urban apathy, the significant turnout in Maharashtra sets a
precedent for other states and provides a model for how a comprehensive engagement
campaign, coupled with logistical improvements, can lead to higher voter participation. With
over 65% of voters participating in the 2024 state elections, Maharashtra has set a new
standard that could inspire future electoral processes in India.
As the state continues to grow and evolve, it’s clear that efforts to make voting more accessible
and engaging for urban populations are paying off. The 2024 election turnout is a strong
message to all that when the right measures are taken, voter apathy can be overcome, and
democracy can thrive
