Voting is underway in Kerala on Thursday, April 9, 2026, with the state all set for a high-stakes Assembly election. Over 2.7 crore voters are eligible to cast their ballots across 140 constituencies in a single-phase polling that began at 7 AM and will continue until 6 PM.
The ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF), led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, is seeking a historic third consecutive term. The United Democratic Front (UDF) is looking to make a comeback after a decade in opposition, while the BJP-led NDA is also aiming to open its account in the state.
Voter Turnout Highlights (As of 9:30-10 AM)
| District/Constituency | Turnout | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kerala (State Average) | 16.23% | 9:30 AM |
| Kollam District | 16.04% | 10:00 AM |
| Eravipuram (Kollam) | 16.68% | 10:00 AM |
| Kollam (Kollam) | 16.64% | 10:00 AM |
| Kottayam District | 16.50% | 9:30 AM |
| Pathanamthitta District | 16.49% | 9:30 AM |
| Aranmula (Pathanamthitta) | 17.55% | 9:30 AM |
| Vaikom (Kottayam) | 17.35% | 9:30 AM |
| Kozhikode District | 16%+ | 9:00 AM |
| Kannur District | 14.35% | 9:00 AM |
Key Highlights from the Polling Day
- AI Surveillance: Kerala has deployed AI surveillance for real-time monitoring of polling stations, tracking queues and crowd levels to enhance voter experience.
- 104-Year-Old Voter: Thresiamma Paraseril, a 104-year-old voter, cast her vote at Idukki Newman LP school under the Idukki Assembly constituency, demonstrating enduring commitment to the democratic process.
- Eco-Friendly Booth: Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan cast his vote at an eco-friendly polling booth in Kesari Balakrishnapillai Memorial Govt. College in North Paravur.
- First-Time Voter Incentive: A first-time voter received a halwa packet from an election official at St. Little Teresa’s UP School in Karumaloor near Aluva as part of the EC’s efforts to encourage young voters.
- Foreign Delegates: Delegates from at least nine countries, including Sierra Leone, Samoa, Seychelles, Albania, Namibia, Estonia, Georgia, Fiji, and Kenya, are in Kerala to witness the election process.
Leaders React After Casting Votes
| Leader | Alliance | Prediction/Statement |
|---|---|---|
| Pinarayi Vijayan (CM) | LDF | Confident of a “bigger” victory; Kerala on path to becoming a developed state; calls it the “least corrupt” state |
| V.D. Satheesan (Opposition Leader) | UDF | Confident of UDF win with over 100 seats; alleges “paid surveys” had predicted otherwise with an agenda |
| Sunny Joseph (KPCC President) | UDF | Predicts UDF sweep (over 100 seats); confident of fourth straight win in Peravur |
| Rajeev Chandrasekhar (BJP State President) | NDA | Cast his vote at Jawahar Nagar LP school in Thiruvananthapuram |
Celebrity Voters
- Mohanlal: The superstar actor cast his vote at Mudavanmugal in Thiruvananthapuram.
- Pinarayi Vijayan: The Chief Minister cast his vote at RC Amla-based UP School in Pinarayi, Kannur.
- V.D. Satheesan: The Opposition Leader cast his vote at Kesari Balakrishnapillai Memorial Govt. College in North Paravur.
Technical Glitches and Isolated Incidents
- Malappuram: Technical glitches in voting machines delayed polling at a few locations, including a booth at Noorul Islam Madrasa, Peruvallur.
- Idukki: A complaint about a voting machine was reported at the Pathippally Tribal UP School; officials quickly rectified the issue.
- Kozhikode: Polling was briefly disrupted at a booth in the Koduvally Assembly segment after an EVM developed a technical glitch.
- Kannur: A Congress worker and a BJP booth agent were allegedly attacked in separate incidents in Dharmadam and Mattannur constituencies, with both parties accusing CPI(M) activists of orchestrating the violence.
The Stakes
- LDF: Seeking a historic third consecutive term, battling incumbency after ten years in power.
- UDF: Bolstered by a remarkable performance in 2025 local body elections, looking to end a decade in opposition.
- NDA: Drawing strength from its 2024 Lok Sabha election performance, aiming to open its account in the state.
