Guwahati, March 16: Nearly 2.5 crore voters in Assam will head to the polls on April 9 in a single-phase Assembly election, as the Election Commission of India announced the schedule for the 2026 state polls. Counting of votes will take place on May 4.
The election will determine the composition of the 126-member Assam Legislative Assembly, whose current term ends on May 20, 2026. According to the poll schedule, the gazette notification will be issued on March 16, with March 23 set as the last date for filing nominations. Scrutiny will be held on March 24, and candidates can withdraw nominations until March 26.
Large and Diverse Electorate
Data released by the Commission shows that Assam has about 2.5 crore registered voters, including roughly 1.25 crore male and 1.25 crore female electors, along with 343 third-gender voters.
The state’s voter base reflects a wide demographic spread:
5.75 lakh first-time voters aged 18–19
66.3 lakh young voters aged 20–29
About 2.04 lakh persons with disabilities (PwDs)
Nearly 1.04 lakh voters above 85 years
2,586 centenarian voters
Election officials say the presence of a large youth electorate could play a significant role in shaping the political outcome of the upcoming polls.
Extensive Polling Infrastructure
To facilitate voting across the state, the Commission will establish 31,486 polling stations, including 3,775 in urban areas and 27,711 in rural regions. Each polling station will serve an average of around 793 voters.
Authorities said 100 per cent of polling stations will be equipped with webcasting facilities to enhance transparency and allow real-time monitoring of the voting process.
Reaching Remote Voters
Ensuring participation in remote areas remains one of the biggest logistical challenges. In riverine and island districts such as Majuli, polling teams will travel 50–60 kilometres by ferry, road and even by tractor to reach isolated polling booths serving small clusters of voters.
Election officials said special arrangements, including improved infrastructure and monitoring systems, have been planned to ensure that every voter in the state can cast their ballot in the upcoming election.
