In a landmark moment for Indian democracy, Jammu and Kashmir has achieved its highest voter turnout in the past 35 years during the 2024 General Elections. The Union Territory saw a combined voter turnout of 58.46% across its five Lok Sabha constituencies, underscoring the region’s vibrant democratic spirit and active civic engagement. The Election Commission of India (ECI), led by Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, commended the polling personnel and security officials for ensuring a peaceful election process.

CEC Rajiv Kumar highlighted a 25% increase in contesting candidates since 2019 and a significant rise in citizen involvement through C-vigil complaints and requests for rallies via the Suvidha Portal. He likened the depth of electoral participation to the intricate craftsmanship of Kashmiri artisanal weaving, marking a promising outlook for the upcoming Assembly elections.

The Union Territory, comprising Srinagar, Baramulla, Anantnag-Rajouri, Udhampur, and Jammu constituencies, saw a notable voter turnout. The Kashmir Valley’s three constituencies—Srinagar (38.49%), Baramulla (59.1%), and Anantnag-Rajouri (54.84%)—registered their highest participation in three decades, collectively reaching 50.86%, a substantial increase from 19.16% in 2019. Udhampur and Jammu recorded turnouts of 68.27% and 72.22%, respectively.

This historic turnout was attributed to the dedicated efforts of election and security officials in empowering voters, particularly the youth, to participate in the democratic process. The high participation rate among voters aged 18-59 highlights a growing faith in democracy within this demographic.

The ECI also facilitated voting for Kashmiri migrants residing in relief camps in Delhi, Jammu, and Udhampur through special polling stations and postal ballots. Ladakh, now a separate Union Territory, reported an impressive 71.82% voter turnout.

To promote voter awareness, the Chief Electoral Officer of J&K organized various activities under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program. These included adventure sports, symposiums, rallies, street plays, and cultural events aimed at encouraging voter participation. Notable efforts included creating an igloo polling station in Baramulla, a para scooter event in Kathua, and awareness activities at iconic locations like Dal Lake and the highest railway bridge.