Kerala, Assam, Puducherry Elections 2026:The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the schedule for the 2026 Assembly Elections in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. The upcoming election will see millions of voters participating.
Kerala, Assam, Puducherry Elections 2026
Voting in all three regions will be conducted in a single phase:
Poll dates for Assam
- Date of Notification of polls: March 16, 2026
- Last date for nominations: March 23, 2026
- Scrutiny of nominations: March 24, 2026
- Last date for withdrawal: March 26, 2026
- Date of voting: April 9, 2026
- Counting of votes: May 4, 2026
Poll dates for Kerala
- Date of Notification of polls: March 16, 2026
- Last date for nominations: March 23, 2026
- Scrutiny of nominations: March 24, 2026
- Last date for withdrawal: March 26, 2026
- Date of voting: April 9, 2026
- Counting of votes: May 4, 2026
Polling dates for Puducherry
- Date of Notification of polls: March 16, 2026
- Last date for nominations: March 23, 2026
- Scrutiny of nominations: March 24, 2026
- Last date for withdrawal: March 26, 2026
- Date of voting: April 9, 2026
- Counting of votes: May 4, 2026
The Election Commission has scheduled polling across these states and the Union Territory on the same day, ensuring a streamlined electoral process. The counting of votes for all states will take place on May 4, 2026.
Polling Time: When Does Voting Start and End?
The Election Commission establishes standard polling hours for India which it adjusts according to specific constituency needs.
- Start Time: 7:00 AM
- End Time: 6:00 PM
Voters should arrive at polling stations before early morning hours because it helps them avoid busy periods. Voters who arrive at the polling station before it closes can still cast their ballots.
Key Highlights of 2026 Elections
In Kerala and Assam and Puducherry, elections will proceed as single day events. Approximately 17 crore voters will participate in elections across various states. The three states will start their voting process, which will continue until April 23, while polling activities will occur in all states from April 9 to 23.
Assam Election 2026: How To Vote, Check Booth, Timings & Required ID Proofs
What Voters Must Carry?
To cast your vote, you must carry any of the following valid ID proofs:
- Voter ID card (EPIC)
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Government-issued photo ID
All voters must present ID proof even when their names appear on the electoral roll.
Important Guidelines for Voters
Before Voting
You can verify your name in the voter list through online services or by using the Voter Helpline application
You should determine your polling booth location before the voting day
Polling booth regulations prohibit voters from bringing mobile phones inside (rules may vary)
At the Polling Booth
Voters should obey the directions given by polling officials
Voters should stick to their positions in the line
The EVM (Electronic Voting Machine) system enables voters to complete their voting process
After Voting
- Your finger must receive a permanent ink marking
- You should check your voting choice through the VVPAT slip display
What Is Not Allowed?
- Voters are prohibited from bringing campaign materials into polling stations
- Voters are not permitted to interfere with voting activities within a 100-meter distance from the polling booth
- Voters are forbidden from taking photographs inside the voting compartment
