Over 31 per cent of around 1.23 crore voters exercised their franchise till 11 AM on Wednesday in 38 assembly constituencies in Jharkhand where voting is underway in the second and final phase, officials said.
Polling began at 7 AM in 14,218 booths across 12 districts and will continue till 5 PM.
However, polling in 31 booths will end at 4 PM though people standing in the queue at that time will be able to exercise their franchise, the officials said.
The ruling JMM-led INDIA bloc is seeking to retain power riding on its welfare schemes, while the BJP-headed National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is trying to wrest it.
“A voter turnout of 31.37 per cent was recorded in the first four hours of polling. Voting has been peaceful,” an Election Commission official said.
The highest voting turnout of 35.15 per cent was recorded from Pakur, followed by 34.75 per cent in Ranchi, 33.78 per cent in Jamtara and 33.45 per cent in Ramgarh district.