Tamil Nadu, West Bengal Record Highest-Ever Voter Turnout in 2026 Assembly Polls
Electorate data indicates that Tamil Nadu has over 5.73 crore voters, while West Bengal (Phase-I) accounts for 3.60 crore voters, taking the combined electorate covered in this phase to over 9.33 crore.
According to official data , Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 84.69%, while West Bengal (Phase-I) saw an even higher participation of 91.78%, surpassing previous records set during earlier assembly elections.
New Delhi: Election Commission of India on Thursday reported record-breaking voter turnout in the ongoing general elections to legislative assemblies, with Tamil Nadu and West Bengal (Phase-I) registering their highest-ever participation since Independence.
According to official data , Tamil Nadu recorded a voter turnout of 84.69%, while West Bengal (Phase-I) saw an even higher participation of 91.78%, surpassing previous records set during earlier assembly elections.
Polling began at 7:00 AM across constituencies in both states, alongside by-elections in select assembly constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
Gender-wise data shows strong participation across demographics. In Tamil Nadu, female voter turnout (85.76%) exceeded male turnout (83.57%), while in West Bengal (Phase-I), female participation (92.69%) also outpaced male turnout (90.92%), indicating a continuing trend of higher female electoral engagement.
The commission noted that polling was monitored closely through 100% live webcasting of polling stations, ensuring transparency and real-time oversight. Data was continuously updated through the ECINET platform, minimising delays in reporting.
Several voter-friendly measures were implemented, including colour photographs of candidates on EVM ballot units, mobile deposit facilities, redesigned voter slips, and capped voter numbers per polling station to improve accessibility. Special arrangements such as wheelchairs, volunteers, and transport support were provided to assist persons with disabilities.
Electorate data indicates that Tamil Nadu has over 5.73 crore voters, while West Bengal (Phase-I) accounts for 3.60 crore voters, taking the combined electorate covered in this phase to over 9.33 crore.
The data remains provisional and excludes service voters and postal ballots. Final figures will be released after consolidation through ECINET.
The record turnout underscores increasing voter awareness and participation, reinforcing the robustness of India’s democratic process.
Polling for Phase-II in West Bengal is scheduled for April 29, while counting of votes for all assembly elections will be taken up on May 4, 2026.
