In the 2022 assembly elections, female turnout outstripped that of males in Uttar Pradesh, though both overall turnout and female voting percentages were lower than in 2017.
Media outlets have accessed the final figures, which show that turnout in the state decreased to 60.8% from 61.11% in 2017. The number of women who voted in UP reached 62.24% whereas the men had a voting percentage of 59.56%. Nevertheless, female turnout was lower than the 63.38% recorded in 2017 whereas the male voting percentage in the state this time was marginally higher than 59.21% recorded in 2017.
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In the first three phases of the UP elections, men outnumbered women in terms of turnout; however, the trend reversed from the fourth phase on. Women’s lead widened with each passing phase following February 20.
Women turned out to vote in higher numbers across 44 of UP’s 75 districts, while in 2017, they turned out to vote in greater numbers across 55 districts. Overall, Amroha (72.27%) had the highest voter turnout and Balrampur (49.12%) had the lowest. The lowest turnout was caused by the lower male turnout (46.12%) than the female turnout (52.77%).
Possibly, the low overall voter turnout can be attributed to COVID-19. In the run-up to the elections, the nation was stricken with Omicron coronavirus disease, prompting the Election Commission (EC) to impose a series of Covid-appropriate measures. Early in January, the EC limited roadshows, padayatras, vehicle rallies, and processions. By the time the elections were announced on January 8, the average daily number of cases was 90,524 and growing.
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Meanwhile, the EC, under the leadership of Sushil Chandra, also adopted several initiatives. From setting up a women-only polling station in every district to conducting enrolment drives to increase the number of female voters, the EC emphasized on encouraging women voters.
