Polling for Assembly elections in Assam, Keralam and Puducherry saw steady participation in the first few hours on Thursday, with turnout figures crossing the 30 per cent mark by late morning.
According to data released by the Election Commission of India, Assam recorded a voter turnout of 38.92 per cent by 11 AM, while Keralam reported 33.28 per cent and Puducherry 37.06 per cent.
Voting began at 7 AM across all three regions, covering 126 constituencies in Assam, 140 in Keralam and 30 in Puducherry. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.
Keralam, which has an electorate of around 2.71 crore, witnessed early preparedness at polling stations, with officials starting procedures well before voting hours.
Mock polling exercises took place at booths, and nearly two lakh voters had already cast their ballots in advance through home voting arrangements.
In Assam, queues were visible outside polling stations from the morning, reflecting strong initial participation.
The election in the state is being held in a single phase, with the ruling BJP seeking another term while the Congress attempts a return to power.
The current Assembly's tenure is likely to end later this month.
Puducherry also reported smooth polling, with voters turning out steadily across constituencies.
N Rangasamy leads the coalition currently governing the Union Territory. Officials said adequate measures were in place to ensure orderly voting.
Despite campaigning concluding earlier, candidates remained active in the final hours before polling, reaching out to voters and local influencers in closely contested constituencies.
Authorities across all three regions said they have made arrangements to ensure a free and fair electoral process as voting continues through the day.