Five lowest turnout polling stations in each Assembly constituency brought under outreach plan in Coimbatore

The district administration has identified polling stations with low voter turnout based on data from the General Election 2024 and initiated targeted SVEEP measures to improve participation ahead of the upcoming poll.

Stations that recorded turnout lower by 10% than the constituency average, or the five lowest turnout stations in each Assembly segment, have been taken up for focused outreach across Coimbatore district.

An analysis by officials points to varied patterns across constituencies. In Mettupalayam, Sulur and Pollachi Assembly constituencies, lower participation was largely concentrated in peri-urban pockets.

Constituencies such as Kavundampalayam, Coimbatore North, Thondamuthur, Coimbatore South, Singanallur and Kinathukadavu recorded subdued turnout in gated communities and apartment clusters within corporation limits, reflecting a trend of urban apathy.

In Valparai Assembly constituency, migration of estate workers and the challenges of hilly terrain were cited as key factors that affected turnout.

With these patterns identified, the administration mapped specific target groups for intervention. Young voters, tribal populations, company and factory workers, and Residents’ Welfare Associations were brought under focused outreach. Special camps were organised in educational institutions, where enrolment, deletion and correction of entries through Forms 6, 7 and 8 were facilitated.

Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) demonstrations and distribution of handbills are planned in identified low-turnout polling stations.

In the final week before polling, awareness drives including marathons, rallies and human chains will be held to promote participation and ethical voting.

To coordinate the initiative, Sanket Balwant Waghe, Additional Collector (Development), has been appointed as the nodal officer.