Kerala local body polls: Voting under way for first phase in seven districts

The first phase of the local body elections covering wards in 595 local bodies across Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki, Alappuzha, and Ernakulam districts was under way on Tuesday (December 9, 2025). Votes will be polled from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. in election to 11,168 wards across 595 local bodies.

Across the seven districts, 1,32,83,789 voters are eligible to cast their votes in this phase. This includes 70,32,444 female voters, 62,51,219 male voters and 126 transgender voters. There are 456 overseas electors in this phase. There are 36,630 candidates, including 19,573 women, 17.056 men and one transgender candidate.

Voters can use Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India, voter slip issued by the State Election Commission, passport, driving licence, Aadhaar card, PAN card, photo-affixed SSLC certificate/book, and photo-affixed passbook issued by nationalised banks within six months of the elections.

Although the polling time ends at 6 p.m., all voters present at the polling station at 6 p.m. will get a chance to vote.

Electorates in the remaining districts — Thrissur, Palakkad, Kozhikode, Malappuram, Kannur, Wayanad and Kasaragod- will vote on December 11. Results for all 1,199 local bodies are scheduled to be announced on December 13.

Unlike previous Local Self-Government Department polls, the State this time witnessed intense competition among traditional political rivals, as the contest is seen as significant ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.

(With PTI inputs)