The Directorate of Information and Public Relations provided a comprehensive overview of the polling process, marking another successful day in the democratic journey of the Union Territory. With polling still underway at select locations, the preliminary figures revealed widespread enthusiasm across the 3,502 polling stations. Remarkably, there was no station where the voter turnout dipped into single digits, signalling a robust participation that underscores the electorate’s commitment to exercising their democratic rights. A key highlight of the day was Srinagar, the capital of the Union Territory, where the voter turnout has surpassed that of the previous Lok Sabha elections by nearly five percent. In the Lok Sabha elections, Srinagar recorded a 24.83% turnout, and in today’s assembly polls, that figure rose significantly. This uptick, reaching almost 30%, reflects a deepened engagement with the electoral process in a city that often serves as a barometer for political sentiment in the region. In terms of specific assembly constituencies, the Mata Vaishno Devi Assembly in Katra reported the highest turnout at an impressive 79.95%, nearing 80%. District-wide, Reasi led the charge with 74.14%, followed by Poonch at 73.78%, and Rajouri at 69.85%. These figures provide insight into the varied but strong levels of participation across districts, with other notable mentions being Ganderbal (62.63%), Budgam (61.31%), and Srinagar (59.24%). For constituencies, Kangan posted a substantial 71.89%, while others like Hazratbal (30.69%), Lal Chowk (32.11%), and Habba Kadal (18.39%) showed more moderate participation. Areas such as Chanpora (29.35%) further reflect the diversity in voter engagement across different pockets of the region. With 25.78 lakh eligible voters in this phase, the voter turnout stood at 56.79% at the time of reporting, with ballots still being cast at some locations. The overall voting process was peaceful, a testament to the smooth orchestration by more than 15,000 election workers. They were instrumental in ensuring the polls were conducted with efficiency and fairness. Their efforts were further bolstered by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the police, whose diligent work ensured a secure environment for the voters. They extended gratitude to the media and expressed regret for any difficulties faced by reporters during the coverage. In a rare gesture of acknowledgment, an apology was offered on behalf of the poll officials to the media fraternity, underscoring the Commission’s commitment to transparency and cooperation. Delegates and observers visited several polling stations to monitor the proceedings and expressed their satisfaction with the conduct of the election. They were provided with a detailed briefing on the structural and procedural aspects of the voting process, witnessing firsthand the transparency and fairness that underpinned the day’s events. The Election Commission’s dedication to a free and fair election was evident throughout the process, as the feedback from the delegates attested. This phase of the election serves as a shining example of democracy at work, with the voting process running smoothly, peacefully, and, above all, transparently. The vibrant turnout across the region reflects the people’s unyielding faith in the power of their vote and the strength of India’s electoral framework. As the counting day approaches, the spirit of democracy continues to thrive, further solidifying the electoral system as a beacon of hope and representation in the Union Territory.