Himachal Pradesh: Voting is underway across 51 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Himachal Pradesh from 7 a.m., with long queues of voters seen outside polling stations indicating strong public enthusiasm.

According to official data, the state recorded 16% voter turnout by 9 a.m. and 34% by 11 a.m., reflecting brisk polling activity across multiple regions.

Sujanpur, Chidgaon Record Highest Turnout Till 11 AM

Among key polling areas, Sujanpur in Hamirpur district recorded the highest turnout at 48% by 11 a.m.

It was followed by Chidgaon with 47.27%, Rampur with 32.78%, Jogindernagar with 37.27%, and Sarkaghat with 35.95%.

Voters across towns and municipalities were seen actively participating, with polling booths witnessing steady footfall since morning.

In Shimla’s Rampur area, NCC cadets were seen assisting differently-abled voters by escorting them to polling booths.

At model polling stations in Mandi district, senior citizens were welcomed with traditional tilak as part of voter-friendly initiatives aimed at encouraging participation.

Voting for 439 Ward Members Across Municipal Bodies

Polling is being held in four municipal corporations — Solan, Mandi, Palampur, and Dharamshala — along with 25 municipal councils and 22 nagar panchayats.

Around 3,62,667 voters are eligible to elect 439 ward members in these elections. A total of nearly 550 polling stations have been set up across the state.

As many as 1,147 candidates are contesting for the 439 posts.

Counting Schedule Announced

Counting of votes for municipal councils and nagar panchayats will begin after polling concludes.

However, results for municipal corporations will be declared later, with counting scheduled to take place by May 31.

After voting ends, EVMs used in municipal corporation elections will be stored in strong rooms set up at district headquarters under tight security arrangements.