Tamil Nadu began the first-level checking of electronic voting machines (EVMs) and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) devices across all districts on Thursday. This check is crucial for the upcoming 2026 Legislative Assembly elections. Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik confirmed the process has started. The Election Commission of India sent 13 EVM nodal officers from different states to inspect the preparedness, quality, and storage of these machines statewide. The first-level checking process is closely monitored by the District Election Officers, the CEO, and the Election Commission itself. National and State recognised political parties have been asked to authorise their representatives at district headquarters to witness the checks. Only the EVMs and VVPATs that pass this inspection will be used in the elections. On December 10, CEO Archana Patnaik also met with nodal officers from various enforcement agencies to identify expenditure sensitivity constituencies (ESCs) for the upcoming polls. This meeting, held in line with Election Commission instructions, involved key officials from Central and State governments. The teams were requested to provide input on ESCs in Tamil Nadu. In Chennai, District Election Officer and Greater Chennai Corporation Commissioner J. Kumaraguruburaran conducted the inspection with officials and political party representatives. These steps aim to ensure a transparent and smooth election process in 2026.