Kerala has recorded a voter turnout of 79.63% in the 2026 Assembly elections, according to preliminary data. This figure includes votes cast through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), postal ballots, and home voting. However, the final tally is expected to change once service votes are added.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Ratan U. Kelkar said that the EVM-based turnout stood at 78.27%, while postal votes accounted for 1.36%. Combined, these bring the current polling percentage to 79.63%. “Service votes have not yet been included, and the final figure will be updated once they are added,” he said.
The CEO noted that the final turnout can only be determined after accounting for the total number of service votes cast out of the 53,984 eligible voters. The official figures, known as the “index card,” will be released only after service votes are fully counted following the general vote counting process.
Data indicates a significantly higher turnout among women voters compared to men. While male voter turnout stood at 75.19%, female participation reached 81.19%. The turnout among transgender voters was recorded at 56.04%.
Responding to concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan regarding the delay in releasing turnout figures, Kelkar clarified that a three-day window was necessary to ensure accurate tabulation of postal votes. Satheesan had earlier written to the CEO, urging immediate release of the figures and greater transparency in the electoral process.
Emphasising transparency, the CEO stated that representatives of political parties are present at all stages, including the counting of postal votes. He added that all parties have access to booth-wise data and can monitor webcasting from strong rooms.