Puducherry is all set to elect its new Legislative Assembly on April 9, 2026. If you are a registered voter in the Union Territory and are heading to the polling booth for the first time or simply need
a quick refresher on what to carry and where to go, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know before stepping out on polling day.
Polling Date and Timings
Voting will take place across all 30 constituencies in a single phase on Thursday, April 9, 2026. Polling booths will be open from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The prohibition on exit polls begins at 7:00 AM on April 9 and will remain in force until the completion of polling, as per the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines. Counting of votes for Puducherry and other poll-bound states will be held on May 4, 2026, starting at 8:00 AM.
April 9 has been declared a paid holiday for all workers and employees in commercial and industrial establishments whose names appear on the Puducherry electoral roll, under Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. No deduction of wages shall be made for this holiday.
How To Find Your Polling Booth
You can locate your polling booth easily through the Election Commission’s official voter services portal at voters.eci.gov.in. Enter your EPIC number, mobile number, or details such as name, date of birth, and constituency to view your booth number, address, and part number.
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Voters are also advised to download their Voter Information Slip (voter slip) from the same portal. The slip contains your name, serial number, part number, constituency, and polling booth address. While not mandatory for voting, carrying it can significantly speed up the identification process.
The Chief Electoral Officer, Puducherry website also hosts the integrated final electoral rolls for 2026. You can check your name there. For any queries, call the voter helpline number 1950.
Who Can Vote?
Any Indian citizen aged 18 years or above whose name appears in the final electoral roll for 2026 is eligible to vote. The total registered electorate in Puducherry stands at 9,44,211, which includes 4,43,595 male voters, 5,00,477 female voters, and 139 third-gender voters across the Union Territory’s four regions.
Also Read: Puducherry’s Statehood Gambit: How Decade-Old Demand Is Shaking Up NDA Five Days Before Polls
Your name must be present in the electoral roll of your constituency. Even with valid documents, you cannot vote if your name is not on the roll.
What To Carry: Voter ID and Alternatives
The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), commonly known as the Voter ID, is the primary document accepted at polling booths.
However, if you do not have your physical EPIC, the Election Commission has permitted the use of any one of the following 12 alternative photo identity documents (as per the notification dated October 7, 2025):
- Aadhaar Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Passbook with photograph issued by a Bank or Post Office
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under Ministry of Labour schemes or Ayushman Bharat
- Driving Licence
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued by the Registrar General of India under the National Population Register (NPR)
- Indian Passport
- Pension document with photograph
- Service Identity Card with photograph issued by Central/State Government, PSUs, or public limited companies
- Official identity card issued to MPs, MLAs, or MLCs
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Overseas voters registered under Section 20A must carry their original Indian Passport for identification.
Digital Voter ID (e-EPIC)
Voters without a physical EPIC can download the digital e-EPIC from voters.eci.gov.in. Log in using your EPIC number or registered mobile number, and download the PDF copy on your phone. The digital version is accepted at polling stations.
What Happens At The Booth
Upon reaching your assigned polling station, polling officials will verify your identity against the electoral roll. Indelible ink will be applied on your left index finger to prevent duplicate voting. You will then proceed to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to cast your vote.
A Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine will print a slip showing your chosen candidate for a few seconds, allowing you to verify that your vote has been recorded correctly.
Special arrangements have been made at all booths for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and women who require privacy during identification.
