Over 6.1 crore voters are expected to cast their ballots on Thursday as Assam, Kerala and the Union Territory of Puducherry head to Assembly elections in a single-phase schedule.

The Election Commission has reminded citizens that presenting valid photo identification is mandatory to vote, highlighting the importance of carrying recognised documents to polling stations.

This round of voting will cover 140 seats in Kerala, 126 in Assam and 30 in Puducherry. Political observers say it will serve as a mid-term test for both regional and national parties.

Results are due on May 4, alongside outcomes from Tamil Nadu, where polling takes place on April 23, and West Bengal, which will vote in a later phase on April 29.

Voter identification rules

Eligible voters must present one of original photo identity documents approved by the Election Commission of India.

List of accepted identity documents:

  1. Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
  2. Aadhaar Card
  3. MGNREGA Job Card
  4. Passbooks with photograph issued by banks or post offices
  5. Health Insurance Smart Card (Ministry of Labour) / Ayushman Bharat Health Card
  6. Driving Licence
  7. PAN Card
  8. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
  9. Indian Passport
  10. Pension document with photograph
  11. Service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State governments, PSUs, or public limited companies
  12. Official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs
  13. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

Voters must present one of these original documents to cast their vote.