More than 25.78 lakh voters are set to decide the fate of 239 candidates in the second phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Elections, scheduled for September 25, 2024.
This phase covers 26 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across six districts—Ganderbal, Srinagar, and Budgam in Kashmir Division, and Reasi, Rajouri, and Poonch in Jammu Division. Fifteen of these constituencies are located in Kashmir, including key areas like Kangan (ST), Hazratbal, Lal Chowk, and Chrar-I-Sharief. In Jammu Division, 11 constituencies, including Gulabgarh (ST), Rajouri (ST), and Poonch Haveli, will go to the polls.
According to the latest electoral rolls, 25,78,099 voters are eligible to cast their ballot, including 13,12,730 men, 12,65,316 women, and 53 third-gender voters. Among these, 1,20,612 voters aged 18-19 will be participating for the first time, representing a significant contribution of young voters in the democratic process. This phase will also witness the participation of 19,201 Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters and 20,880 voters above the age of 85.
District-wise, Srinagar leads with 93 candidates contesting across eight constituencies, while Budgam has 46 candidates in five constituencies. Rajouri has 34 candidates vying for positions, followed by 25 in Poonch, 21 in Ganderbal, and 20 in Reasi.
Srinagar district has the highest number of registered voters with 7,76,674, including 3,87,722 males, 3,88,922 females, and 30 transgender individuals, spread across 932 polling stations. Rajouri follows with 4,92,008 registered voters, including 745 polling stations, and Budgam with 5,11,864 voters across 639 stations.
Poonch district, with three constituencies, has 3,52,330 voters facilitated by 483 polling stations, while Reasi has 2,37,205 voters and 436 polling stations. Ganderbal district, with 2,08,018 registered voters, will vote at 267 polling stations.
To ensure smooth and transparent elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has set up 3,502 polling stations across the 26 constituencies, with 100% webcasting. These include 1,056 urban and 2,446 rural polling stations. Special provisions have also been made to enhance voter participation, including 157 special polling stations—26 managed by women as Pink Polling Stations, 26 manned by specially-abled persons, and 26 handled by youth. Additionally, there are 31 border polling stations and 26 green polling stations for eco-friendly voting.
Voting will take place from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM on September 25, as the people of Jammu and Kashmir participate in shaping the region’s political future.