West Bengal Election 2026: Know Voting Time; What Are The Dos And Don'ts For Voters At Polling Booths?

Kolkata: The polling for the West Bengal Assembly elections 2026 will be held in two phases on April 23 and April 29 and the results will be announced on May 4. With the start of biggest battle for power in the state, the authorities are focusing on smooth and safe conduct of voting. For this the authorities have advised voters to follow key guidelines at polling stations. 

What did the Election Commission say?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has geared up for the first phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections 2026. The Commission has established the tight security cover to ensure free, fair, and peaceful voting in the 152 constituencies scheduled for April 23. Polling stations across the state will remain open from 7 am to 6 pm.

Millions of voters are expected to participate in the election and advised to follow key guidelines at polling stations. 

A 100-meter radius around polling stations has been strictly regulated. Only genuine voters will be permitted inside this restricted area. Entry by unauthorized individuals or outside crowds is strictly prohibited, an Election Commission official said.

The Commission has prepared several levels of verification to eradicate fake voting.

What documents to carry?

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and government employees will be stationed outside this 100-meter boundary. Here, voters' identity documents will be initially checked.

After entering the restricted area, voters will have to undergo document verification again at two different locations before reaching the polling station. This means that only after passing three levels of verification will a person be able to access the EVM.

Documents to carry:

• Voter ID card is mandatory
• The voter should also carry alternative ID's like Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence, bank passbook with photo, service ID card. 

What to do at polling booths?

• Check your polling booth and name  on the electoral roll before leaving
• Foe smooth verification carry a voter ID and voter slip 
• Stand in queue properly and follow polling station instructions
• Get your finger inked before casting your vote
• Verify your vote on the VVPAT machine after using the EVM

What not to do at polling booths?

• Do not wear or carry any political party symbols or material
• Do not carry or use mobile inside polling booths
• Do not take photos during voting
• Do not accept anything from political representatives
• Do not engage in impersonation, it is a punishable offence