Between Voter Rationality and the Realization of Political Promises: A Case Study of the 2024 Batu Bara Regency Election

This study evaluates voter rationality and the realization of political promises in the 2024 Batu Bara Regency Regional Election. Using a qualitative descriptive design with a case study approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews, observations, and document reviews. The findings indicate that voter rationality is contextual, shaped by demographic conditions, livelihoods, and access to information. Voters translate campaign visions into specific expectations, such as easy access to basic services, job opportunities, and economic protection, although structural challenges like money politics still influence their rational calculations. Regarding the realization of promises, direct public service programs demonstrate positive achievements by reducing transaction costs for citizens, whereas macro-scale agendas like industrial areas and investments still require concrete acceleration. The study concludes that democratic accountability requires ongoing citizen oversight to ensure campaign promises translate into measurable public benefits