Kottayam district reported a drop in voter turnout during the local body elections on Tuesday. According to provisional data from the State Election Commission, 70.76% of voters cast their ballots. Out of 16,41,176 voters, 11,61,255 voted by the close of polls at 6 p.m. This turnout is the lowest compared to 73.92% in 2020 and 78.30% in 2015. Despite strong efforts by political parties, voter participation fell across all municipalities except Erattupetta. Erattupetta’s polling rose slightly to 85.71% from 85.35% in 2020. Changanassery recorded the lowest turnout of 68.05%, and Kottayam municipality had 68.17% voting, where the United Democratic Front previously won by a draw of lots. Among block panchayats, Vaikom had the highest turnout at 78.80%, while Madappally recorded the lowest at 67.01%. Polling was mostly peaceful. However, some electronic voting machines (EVMs) malfunctioned briefly in a few booths. A minor tense situation occurred in Ward 19 of Pala municipality when Congress rebel Maya Rahul and her husband argued with Congress workers. Police quickly controlled the situation.