![A woman displays ink on her finger after casting her vote in Pulwama, Kashmir on September 18, 2024. [FPK Photo/ Qayoom Khan]](https://freepresskashmir.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Image-2024-09-18-at-10.55.24-AM-2-scaled.jpeg)
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir saw over 50% voter turnout by 3 pm on Wednesday during the first phase of assembly elections, according to officials.
An official said that the voter turnout stood at 50.65% by 3 pm, with long lines reported outside polling stations.
This marks the first assembly election in the Union Territory in 10 years, held in three phases. The second phase is scheduled for September 25, the final on October 1, and vote counting on October 8.
Over 23.27 lakh voters will decide the fate of 219 candidates. This phase covers 24 Assembly Constituencies (ACs) across seven districts: Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kulgam in the Kashmir division, and Doda, Ramban, and Kishtwar in Jammu.
Notably, 5.66 lakh youth voters and over 28,000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) are set to participate. A total of 3,276 polling stations, including 100% webcasting, have been established to ensure smooth and transparent voting.
