Visakhapatnam sees sluggish start with 3.34% voting in opening hours

Visakhapatnam recorded a modest 3.34% voter turnout during the first two hours of polling, signaling a slow start to the electoral process in the coastal city. Officials stationed at various polling booths reported thin participation, particularly between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m., with only scattered voters presenting themselves at many voting centers.

The sluggish turnout was most pronounced in core urban areas, where voter engagement had yet to gain momentum by mid-morning. Election officials attributed the initial slowness to typical early-hour patterns, though observers noted that city voters traditionally show lower enthusiasm during morning hours compared to afternoon sessions.

Booth-level reports indicated that several polling stations across the city remained relatively quiet in the opening phase of voting. Officials expressed optimism that participation would improve as the day progressed, pointing to historical voting patterns where urban turnout typically accelerates in the afternoon and evening hours.

The Visakhapatnam electorate will have until the scheduled closing time to cast their votes. Election authorities have urged citizens to participate in the democratic process and have deployed adequate polling personnel and materials at all designated centers.