In Brief
- Odisha will use ballot papers for rural polls and EVMs for urban polls.
- House-to-house electoral roll survey begins October 26, 2026.
- Decision balances traditional voting and electronic methods across regions.
- Preparation aims to ensure smooth Panchayat and Municipal elections in 2027.
Odisha has announced it will continue using ballot papers for the Panchayat elections in rural areas and electronic voting machines (EVMs) for urban Municipal elections scheduled for 2027. This approach maintains the distinct voting methods tailored for rural and urban segments of the state.
To prepare for the elections, a house-to-house survey will be conducted starting October 26, 2026, to update and verify the electoral rolls. This initiative is designed to ensure accurate voter lists for the upcoming polls.
The decision reflects a balance between traditional and electronic voting, taking into account the infrastructure and accessibility needs particular to rural and urban voters. Officials expect this dual approach to facilitate effective electoral management and voter participation across Odisha.
The state’s election authorities emphasized the importance of the survey in finalizing the voters’ list, which is crucial for the smooth conduct of both Panchayat and Municipal elections next year.
