The people of Ernakulam are preparing to vote in local body elections on December 9 across 13 municipalities. The political parties hope more voters will come out this time. In 2020, the voter turnout dropped slightly to around 79% compared to 82% in 2015. Five municipalities — Muvattupuzha, Perumbavoor, Angamaly, North Paravur, and Eloor — had over 80% turnout in 2020. Others like Koothattukulam, Thripunithura, Kothamangalam, Aluva, Kalamassery, Maradu, and Piravom saw turnout between 75% and 80%. Thrikkakara had the lowest turnout at about 72%, a 6.22% drop from 2015. Campaign managers said this drop was partly due to a floating population, especially in urban areas like Thrikkakara. A.G. Udayakumar, CPI(M) area secretary, explained, "Thrikkakara has a floating population. It has also seen a reluctance on the part of a section of the electorate in exercising their franchise. However, the politically-conscious electorate will continue to cast their votes." Political parties are now working hard to increase voter turnout. Najeeb Kalamassery, Congress mandalam president, said, "The ‘sure’ votes will be cast without fail. We have worked out plans to ensure maximum turnout in the wards across the municipality." Ajith Kumar, BJP mandalam president in Thripunithura and candidate, added, "The total polling percentage is likely to go up this time compared to the election held in 2020 in view of the keen contest in the municipality." With only days left, all eyes are on December 9 to see if voter enthusiasm will rise in Ernakulam's local body polls.