Overview

• Voter turnout in the first phase of Lok Sabha elections dropped by 4.4 percentage points, with 93 constituencies witnessing a decline compared to 2019.
• Heatwave conditions across multiple states, including West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Karnataka, have raised concerns about further drops in voter turnout.
• Studies suggest a strong correlation between high temperatures and reduced voter participation, with some areas recording temperature increases of up to 7°C on polling days.
• Election authorities are considering measures such as extended voting hours and secure online voting to mitigate the impact of heat on voter turnout.
• Experts advise voters to wear light, loose clothing, stay hydrated, and follow heat advisories during the election period.