New Delhi

Assembly elections conducted across five states and Union Territories between March and May 2026 recorded a general rise in voter participation compared to the 2021 polls, according to data released by the Election Commission (EC).

Among the states, Assam, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal registered their highest voter turnout figures since Independence, indicating growing public participation in the electoral process.

West Bengal reported the highest turnout in the country’s electoral history, with 93.71 per cent voting recorded in the 2026 Assembly elections. In comparison, the state had witnessed nearly 85 per cent turnout in 2011. The number of voters in the state has also expanded sharply, increasing from 76.35 lakh in 1951 to more than 6.38 crore in 2026.

Assam too saw strong participation, with voter turnout touching 86.33 per cent in 2026, compared to around 80 per cent in 1985. The electorate in the state has grown from 24.48 lakh in 1961 to over 2.16 crore this year.

Puducherry achieved a record turnout of 91.19 per cent in the latest Assembly polls. The Union Territory has traditionally maintained high voter participation, recording nearly 85 per cent turnout in several previous elections, including those held in 1974, 2006, 2011 and 2016. Its voter base has increased from 1.71 lakh in 1964 to 8.66 lakh in 2026.

Tamil Nadu also posted a significant rise in participation, registering 86.03 per cent turnout in 2026, compared to nearly 80 per cent in 2011. The state’s electorate expanded from 1.59 crore in 1967 to approximately 4.94 crore in 2026.

In contrast, Keralam experienced a decline in turnout. The state recorded 79.53 per cent voting in 2026, lower than the 85 per cent participation seen in the 1960 Assembly elections. However, the number of registered voters increased from 58.5 lakh in 1957 to over 2.16 crore in 2026.

The EC data also highlighted some of the highest voter turnouts recorded in Assembly elections since Independence. These include West Bengal in 2026 with 93.71 per cent, Tripura in 2013 with 93.61 per cent, Tripura in 2008 with 92.49 per cent, Nagaland in 2013 with 91.62 per cent, Nagaland in 1993 with 91.53 per cent, Manipur in 1995 with 91.41 per cent, Tripura in 2018 with 91.38 per cent, Manipur in 2002 with 90.38 per cent, Manipur in 1990 with 89.95 per cent, Manipur in 2000 with 89.87 per cent, and Puducherry in 2026 with 89.87 per cent.

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The Election Commission said the Assembly polls conducted during March-May 2026 reflected an encouraging increase in voter participation across most states and Union Territories when compared with the elections held in 2021.