West Bengal assembly elections 2026: Polling timings, documents, dos and don’ts Polling for the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with authorities focusing on ensuring smooth and secure conduct of voting across the state. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.With millions expected to participate, voters are being advised to follow key guidelines at polling stations. According to Election Commission data, over 3.6 crore electors across 16 districts will vote in the first phase alone. Here is a quick guide for voters.Polling timings: 7am to 6pmDocuments to carry:Voter ID card (EPIC) — mandatoryAlternative ID: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, bank passbook with photo, service ID cardDos:Check your name on the electoral roll before leavingCarry a valid ID — voter slip is helpful but not mandatoryStand in queue and follow polling station instructionsGet your finger inked before casting your voteVerify your vote on the VVPAT machine after pressing the buttonDon’ts:Do not wear or carry any political party symbolsDo not carry mobile phones inside the polling boothDo not take photos or videos while votingDo not accept money or gifts from political representativesDo not engage in impersonation — it is a punishable offenceWhat you can carry: Water bottle, basic essentials, necessary items for elderly or differently-abled votersWhat you cannot carry: Sharp objects, lighters, flammable items, mobile phonesSpecial arrangements: CCTV cameras have been installed at all 44,378 booths in the first phase. The Election Commission has warned that repolling may be ordered if cameras malfunction during voting.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosAllahabad HC Judge Recuses Himself From Rahul Gandhi’s Dual Citizenship CaseCong Submits Breach of Privilege Against PM Modi; Trump Pushes Iran Talks Amid Ceasefire TensionsIndian Army Sends Strong Warning to Terror Groups Ahead of Pahalgam Terror Attack AnniversaryPappu Yadav Faces Notice After Claiming 90% Women Need ‘Leaders’ Bedrooms’ To Enter PoliticsNida Khan Faces Arrest After Nashik Court Rejects Interim Bail In BPO CaseBJP Leader Nazia Elahi Khan Applies Tilak At Lenskart Store Amid Dress Code RowSupreme Court Raises Alarm Over Digital Arrest Scams, ₹2.5 Cr Fraud Case HighlightedKashmir On Alert As SOG Carries Out Search Ops Before Pahalgam AnniversaryGun, Kirpans, Pepper Spray: Clash Inside Germany Gurdwara Leaves 11 WoundedIndia, Korea Discuss Global Tensions, Stress Peace, Security And Stronger Multilateral Cooperation123Photostories5 signs your parenting is working even when it doesn’t feel like itThings you should be cleaning more often than you thinkThink cancer is mostly genetic? Doctors say 90% is linked to lifestyle: Here’s how to lower your risk6 simple yet beautiful three-letter baby boy namesExclusive – Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah actors Kuldeep Gor and Dharti Bhatt, aka Ratan and Roopa on their new saree shop, their bond with the cast, and a special gift for Daya Bhabhi5 largest birds in the world worth travelling forDo you unconsciously ‘insult’ your child? 5 mistakes that can ruin their mental health5 places that are perfect to visit in MayAnushka Sharma-inspired simple kurta looks perfect for summer 2026Animals you might see in your backyard in Australia123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingUK School New RulesZohran MandaniIran MilitaryUber Driver CaseIndian Activist stabbedAdam SandlerJKBOSE class 10 result 2026Ai ScamIPL Orange CapUK Electricity Price
Polling for the West Bengal assembly elections 2026 will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29, with authorities focusing on ensuring smooth and secure conduct of voting across the state. The counting of votes will take place on May 4.With millions expected to participate, voters are being advised to follow key guidelines at polling stations. According to Election Commission data, over 3.6 crore electors across 16 districts will vote in the first phase alone. Here is a quick guide for voters.Polling timings: 7am to 6pmDocuments to carry:
- Voter ID card (EPIC) — mandatory
- Alternative ID: Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, bank passbook with photo, service ID card
Dos:
- Check your name on the electoral roll before leaving
- Carry a valid ID — voter slip is helpful but not mandatory
- Stand in queue and follow polling station instructions
- Get your finger inked before casting your vote
- Verify your vote on the VVPAT machine after pressing the button
Don’ts:
- Do not wear or carry any political party symbols
- Do not carry mobile phones inside the polling booth
- Do not take photos or videos while voting
- Do not accept money or gifts from political representatives
- Do not engage in impersonation — it is a punishable offence
What you can carry: Water bottle, basic essentials, necessary items for elderly or differently-abled votersWhat you cannot carry: Sharp objects, lighters, flammable items, mobile phonesSpecial arrangements: CCTV cameras have been installed at all 44,378 booths in the first phase. The Election Commission has warned that repolling may be ordered if cameras malfunction during voting.