Jharkhand records surge in young voters ahead of Lok Sabha elections

• Jharkhand gears up for Lok Sabha elections with 21,67,270 first-time voters in the age group of 18 to 22
• The new voter list for 2024 shows a 3.49% increase in total voters compared to January 5, 2023
• Female voters outnumber male counterparts among new voters aged 18 to 22, with 11,02,903 females and 10,64,283 males

Ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Jharkhand has witnessed a significant increase in young voters, with 21,67,270 individuals aged 18 to 22 set to cast their votes for the first time. Chief Electoral Officer K Ravi Kumar announced the release of the new voter list for 2024, revealing a 3.49% rise in the total number of voters compared to the list published on January 5, 2023. The current voter count stands at 2,53,86,152, marking an increase from 2,45,29,841 in 2023.

The data indicates a notable demographic shift, with female voters surpassing their male counterparts in the 18 to 22 age group. The state has also seen an increase in the number of polling stations, with 57 new ones created, bringing the total to 29,521.

The revision of the voter list involved processing 9,81,690 applications from male and female voters, alongside 6,55,375 requests for name removals from the list, addressing concerns such as duplications, relocations, and deaths. The strategic creation and deletion of polling stations aim to enhance the efficiency of the voting process in the upcoming elections.