Uttarakhand Grapples with Low Voter Turnout Ahead of Lok Sabha Elections.

The state has set a target of voting percent of 75 percent.

But will it  succeed  in achieving this target as the voters set to go to polls in  the first phase of voting on April 19th to elect their five MPs from Uttarakhand.

DEHRADUN: In Uttarakhand, concerns loom over the persistently low voter turnout, marking it as a pressing societal issue.

The state's voting percentage not only falls significantly below the national average but also ranks among the lowest compared to other states and union territories nationwide.

Of particular concern is the apathy observed among the 18-19 age group, reflecting a worrying trend.

Uttarakhand registered as Dismal Voting percentage of about 61 to 63 percent in last elections.

Experts attribute it to lack of SVEEP initiatives on the part of state elections department to motivate and bring out the younger voters age groups to Voting. They also attribute it to the migrated population of Uttarakhand. 

In an effort to shed light on this issue, a video has been shared on Uttarakhand's renowned   a channel, offering deeper insights into the matter.

Addressing the public, Anoop Nautiyal from SDC implored for comments, feedback, and suggestions from viewers.

With just five days remaining until the elections on April 19th, there is a collective hope that the state will witness improved voter participation.

Comparisons drawn with Himalayan states, ranging from Arunachal Pradesh to Himachal Pradesh, further highlight the stark contrast in voting percentages.

In 2019, these states boasted impressive voter turnout figures, with percentages ranging from 83% to 72%. But Uttarakhand had hit a low of 61 per cent.

However, anticipation looms that the upcoming elections may witness a decline in participation compared to the levels noted in 2023.

As Uttarakhand gears up for the crucial electoral process, efforts should be underway to address the underlying factors contributing to the low voter engagement plaguing the state.

Nautiyal demand that all stakeholders should be roped in by the ECI and find areas, constituencies  where percentage is low and dig out the  reasons why it is so.