It seems the comfort for a day off at home is too compelling for most of Delhi to come out to vote in a state election that will pretty much decide the fate of their city state for the next five years. Three hours into voting and the state had registered 17 per cent votes. Unless there is going to be a big change in voter behaviour after noon,it is unlikely that this rate of voting will change the far from inspiring 50-60 per cent that the national capital polls every time. Sadly,Delhi had a turnout of more than 60 per cent. If early turnout is any indication,this time will also be no different. This is despite the Elections Commission's campaigns aimed at getting people out to vote. The EC even chose this mid-week date to prevent Delhiites from enjoying an extended weekend holiday,far away from the electronic voting machines. There was a clear divide visible in some polling centres like Patparganj. This station caters to the thickly populated Vinod Nagar area and the society flats across the road. The booths for the former had long queues,while it was a virtual walk-in at booths catering to the societies. The crucial factor in Delhi this time could be the first time voters,many of whom have been running a campaign asking others to come out and vote. If their campaign,especially the #DelhiVote twitter push,along with what Aam Aadmi Party efforts to get people out to vote have an impact,then Delhi could finally be able to shrug away the ignominy of being lazy voters.
