Anand, Gujarat — The Umreth Assembly by-election in Gujarat's Anand district recorded a voter turnout of 46.66 per cent by 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 23, 2025, as per official figures released by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Voting is underway across 306 polling stations spanning urban and rural pockets of the constituency, with polls open from 7 AM to 6 PM. A total of 2,45,623 registered voters are eligible to participate in this contest featuring six candidates.

Voting Across Urban and Rural Pockets

The Umreth constituency covers 46 villages under Umreth taluka, along with portions of the Anand rural region and the municipalities of Ode, Umreth, and Boriavi. Polling activity was notably higher during the early morning hours, with participation tapering slightly as afternoon temperatures climbed. Election officials confirmed that voter engagement continued in intervals through the day despite the heat.

To counter the impact of rising temperatures, authorities deployed drinking water stations, ORS packets, and shaded waiting areas at all polling booths to ensure voter comfort and safety throughout the day.

Security and Monitoring Measures

The election is being managed by a workforce of nearly 1,500 personnel, including approximately 1,348 polling staff, 22 micro observers, and 19 nodal officers. Webcasting has been activated at all 306 polling stations to enable real-time surveillance and transparency.

Security has been significantly reinforced across the constituency. The deployment includes two Deputy Superintendents of Police, four Police Inspectors, approximately 500 police and home guard personnel, and three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) to ensure peaceful conduct of the bypoll.

Inclusive Voting Arrangements for Vulnerable Groups

The Election Commission has taken several steps to ensure inclusive voter participation. A total of 218 wheelchairs have been arranged for elderly and differently-abled voters, supported by 361 volunteers stationed at polling booths. Additionally, six dedicated vehicles have been deployed to transport voters aged 85 years and above as well as persons with disabilities (PwD) to their respective polling stations.

Voter Assistance Booths have been established at all stations to guide voters and resolve logistical concerns on the spot.

Voter Demographics and Postal Ballots

The Umreth electorate includes 4,174 first-time voters in the 18–19 age group, 1,556 voters above 85 years, and 1,546 persons with disabilities. Many from these categories have already cast their votes through home voting arrangements organised ahead of polling day.

In a pre-poll exercise held between April 15 and 17, 212 election-duty staff members submitted their votes via postal ballots. Voters may use any of 12 ECI-approved identity documents — including Aadhaar card, passport, driving licence, and voter ID card — for verification. Non-Resident Indian (NRI) electors are required to present their original passport at the polling booth.

Vote Counting and What Comes Next

The counting of votes for the Umreth Assembly bypoll is scheduled for Sunday, May 4, 2025. The result will determine the political representation of the constituency and is being closely watched as an indicator of voter sentiment in Gujarat's Anand region. With over 46 per cent participation already recorded by mid-afternoon, final turnout figures are expected to rise significantly before polls close at 6 PM.