Slow Start to Polling

Polling for the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) elections began at 7 a.m. on Sunday, November 1, 2026. The city recorded an overall voter turnout of 3.34% by 9 a.m., indicating a slow start, particularly in core urban areas.

Booth-level officials reported thin voter presence during the first hour. The flow of voters began picking up from around 8 a.m., with queues reported at several polling stations.

Semi-Urban Areas See More Early Activity

Several polling stations in Bheemunipatnam, Madhurawada, Anakapalli, Pendurthi, Gajuwaka and parts of the North, South and East Assembly constituencies witnessed increased voter movement as the morning progressed.

Among the zones, Madhurawada recorded 5.87% and Anakapalli 5.18% turnout by 9 a.m. Bheemunipatnam followed with 4.69%, while Pendurthi recorded 4.43%. The South Assembly constituency reported the lowest early turnout at 1.81%.

Voter and Polling Details

Of the 18,37,901 registered voters in the city, 61,309 had cast their votes by 9 a.m. This included 34,531 male voters and 26,778 female voters.

The polling process was reported to be largely peaceful, with security personnel deployed at polling stations. GVMC Commissioner Ketan Garg and City Police Commissioner Shankhabratha Bagchi inspected arrangements and instructed officials to remain vigilant and assist voters.