Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: State Fully Prepared for April 9 Voting
Kerala is all set to participate in the highly anticipated assembly elections on April 9, with state authorities confirming the completion of all logistical and administrative preparations. Chief Electoral Officer Rathan U Kelkar announced on Tuesday that arrangements for the state assembly elections have been finalized, as he released crucial data regarding voters and polling setups ahead of the Thursday voting day.
Voter Statistics and Polling Infrastructure
A total of 2,71,42,952 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise in this electoral process, with 883 candidates competing across various constituencies. To facilitate this massive democratic exercise, authorities have established 30,495 polling booths throughout the state. This includes 24 auxiliary booths specifically arranged in stations that have more than 1,200 registered voters to manage high voter turnout efficiently.
Kelkar highlighted that 2,040 booths have been identified as vulnerable, requiring additional security measures. In a significant move towards inclusivity, 352 polling stations will be managed entirely by women, while 37 booths will be operated by persons with disabilities, showcasing the state's commitment to diverse participation in the electoral process.
Advance Voting and Special Arrangements
The Chief Electoral Officer reported impressive progress in advance voting methods. 98% of voters who opted for the home voting facility have already cast their ballots, ensuring accessibility for those unable to visit polling stations. Additionally, 95% of postal voting has been completed, with Kelkar clarifying that any postal ballots not yet received are securely held by returning officers. Arrangements have been made for voters to cast their votes at designated distribution centers on Wednesday to address any concerns.
Voting among essential service personnel is currently underway, with 40% of polling personnel having already exercised their franchise. Kelkar confirmed that Thursday, the polling day, will be observed as a paid holiday across the state to encourage maximum voter participation.
Media Regulations and Control Measures
In line with election commission guidelines, exit polls have been prohibited from publication until 6:30 PM on April 29, while opinion polls have been banned from 6 PM until the conclusion of polling activities. To ensure smooth operations and address any voter concerns, a special control room has been established to handle related issues promptly.
Complete List of Kerala Assembly Constituencies
The elections will cover numerous constituencies across Kerala. Here is the comprehensive list of assembly constituencies participating in the 2026 elections:
- Manjeshwaram
- Kasaragod
- Udma
- Kanhangad
- Thrikaripur
- Payyanur
- Kalliasseri
- Taliparamba
- Irikkur
- Azhikode
- Kannur
- Dharmadom
- Thalassery
- Kuthuparamba
- Mattanur
- Peravoor
- Mananthavady (ST)
- Sulthan Bathery (ST)
- Kalpetta
- Vatakara
- Kuttiady
- Nadapuram
- Koyilandy
- Perambra
- Balussery (SC)
- Elathur
- Kozhikode North
- Kozhikode South
- Beypore
- Kunnamangalam
- Koduvally
- Thiruvambady
- Kondotty
- Eranad
- Nilambur
- Wandoor (SC)
- Manjeri
- Perinthalmanna
- Mankada
- Malappuram
- Vengara
- Vallikkunnu
- Tirurangadi
- Tanur
- Tirur
- Kottakkal
- Thavanur
- Ponnani
- Thrithala
- Pattambi
- Shornur
- Ottapalam
- Kongad (SC)
- Mannarkkad
- Malampuzha
- Palakkad
- Tarur (SC)
- Chittur
- Nenmara
- Alathur
- Chelakkara (SC)
- Kunnamkulam
- Guruvayur
- Manalur
- Wadakkanchery
- Ollur
- Thrissur
- Nattika (SC)
- Kaipamangalam
- Irinjalakuda
- Puthukkad
- Chalakudy
- Kodungallur
- Perumbavoor
- Angamaly
- Aluva
- Kalamassery
- Paravur
- Vypin
- Kochi
- Thrippunithura
- Ernakulam
- Thrikkakara
- Kunnathunad (SC)
- Piravom
- Muvattupuzha
- Kothamangalam
- Devikulam (SC)
- Udumbanchola
- Thodupuzha
- Idukki
- Peerumade
- Pala
- Kaduthuruthy
- Vaikom (SC)
- Ettumanoor
- Kottayam
- Puthuppally
- Changanassery
- Kanjirappally
- Poonjar
- Aroor
- Cherthala
- Alappuzha
- Ambalappuzha
- Kuttanad
- Haripad
- Kayamkulam
- Mavelikara (SC)
- Chengannur
- Thiruvalla
- Ranni
- Aranmula
- Konni
- Adoor (SC)
- Karunagapally
- Chavara
- Kunnathur (SC)
- Kottarakkara
- Pathanapuram
- Punalur
- Chadayamangalam
- Kundara
- Kollam
- Eravipuram
- Chathannoor
- Varkala
- Attingal (SC)
- Chirayinkeezhu (SC)
- Nedumangad
- Vamanapuram
- Kazhakkoottam
- Vattiyoorkavu
- Thiruvananthapuram
- Nemom
- Aruvikkara
- Parassala
- Kattakkada
- Kovalam
- Neyyattinkara
As Kerala approaches this significant democratic event, all systems are in place to ensure a smooth, fair, and inclusive voting process. The 2026 elections represent a crucial moment for the state's political landscape, with outcomes poised to influence regional and national dynamics.
