NOTA Remains a Rare Choice for Voters, Stays Under 1% in Most States, Shows ECI Data

The “None of the Above” (NOTA) option continues to see minimal uptake among voters, according to data released by the Election Commission of India following the latest round of assembly elections in five states and a Union territory.

Among the regions that went to polls, only Assam recorded NOTA usage above 1%, with 1.29% of voters opting for the button on electronic voting machines (EVMs). West Bengal followed at 0.81%, while Puducherry registered 0.73%. The share was lower in Kerala at 0.58% and Tamil Nadu at 0.41%.

The figures indicate that a majority of voters continue to choose candidates over rejecting all options on the ballot. Analysts note that variations across states may reflect local political dynamics, voter engagement levels and the competitiveness of contests.

Data compiled by the Election Commission also highlights a broader downward trend in NOTA usage in national elections. According to the poll body’s “Atlas-2024,” the share of NOTA votes in Lok Sabha elections has declined steadily since its introduction — from 1.08% in 2014 to 0.99% in 2024, the lowest recorded so far.

The NOTA option was introduced on EVMs following a 2013 order by the Supreme Court of India, which mandated a mechanism for voters to reject all candidates while maintaining ballot secrecy. Before this ruling, voters could opt out using Form 49-O under the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, though the process did not guarantee confidentiality.

Despite enabling voter dissent, the Supreme Court has clarified that a majority of NOTA votes does not invalidate an election result or trigger a re-poll.

Voting for assemblies in Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry took place on multiple dates in April, with counting completed earlier this week.