As Jammu and Kashmir gears up for its upcoming Legislative Assembly elections, the electoral landscape has become more vibrant and inclusive, with over 93,000 new voters added to the rolls. This surge reflects the voices of many first-time voters, eager to shape the future of their communities.
The recent completion of the Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls across all twenty districts has not only increased the total number of eligible voters to 88.03 lakh but also marked a significant step towards ensuring that every eligible citizen has the chance to participate in the democratic process.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to make sure that our electoral rolls are accurate and inclusive,” said the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of J&K UT. “Our aim is to give every eligible person a voice while cleaning up the rolls to ensure the integrity of our elections.”
The final roll now includes 44.89 lakh men, 43.13 lakh women, and 168 third-gender electors. A particularly heartening development is the increase of young voters in the 18-19 age group, with nearly 46,000 new names added—over half of them women. “This is a sign of hope,” the CEO noted. “Our youth are stepping forward, ready to contribute to the direction of our Union Territory.”
This growth is credited to the diligent efforts of local election officers and the successful implementation of the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) plan, which has focused on making the electoral process more accessible and understandable to all citizens.
Women’s participation has seen a meaningful boost, with the gender ratio improving to 961, up by two points. This is a testament to the relentless work put into reaching out to women across J&K, ensuring their voices are heard.
The increase in the number of polling stations—from 11,629 to 11,838—also speaks to the commitment to making voting more convenient. Now, voters can cast their ballots at stations closer to their homes, with most polling stations within two kilometers of where people live.
Jammu and Kashmir’s electorate is diverse, with 83,191 registered Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and 2,428 centenarians—voters over 100 years old—who stand as a living testament to the enduring spirit of democracy.
As the CEO put it, “Every vote counts, and every voter matters. Our goal is to empower every eligible voter to take part in this pivotal election. Your vote is your voice—let it be heard.”
The call to action is clear: with elections approaching, every eligible voter in Jammu and Kashmir is encouraged to step forward and contribute to the democratic process, ensuring their voice shapes the future of the Union Territory.