NationalFriday, 16 October 2026·The Hindu - National
Odisha to use ballot papers in rural polls and EVMs in urban local body elections, with rolls survey from October 26, 2026
Odisha will keep ballot papers for panchayat polls and use EVMs for urban local body polls, while a rolls survey begins on October 26, 2026.
Key highlights
Direct fact
On October 16, 2026, Odisha State Election Commissioner Madhusudan Padhi said ballot papers will continue for panchayat polls, while EVMs will be used in urban local body elections scheduled for 2027.
Key specifics
- Odisha has around 91,000 booths for panchayat polls, according to SEC Madhusudan Padhi.
- The commission said 4 EVMs per booth would be needed for panchayat polls, or about 3.36 lakh EVMs.
- A house-to-house survey for Panchayat and Municipal Elections–2027 begins on October 26, 2026.
- The draft electoral rolls will be published on January 1, 2027, and final rolls on February 10, 2027.
- Voters will get 20 days to file claims and objections during the roll revision process.
Exam lens
Question type: Election administration and polling methods, key facts: ballot papers for rural polls, EVMs for urban polls, 91,000 booths, 3.36 lakh EVMs, survey from October 26, 2026. TNPSC may ask which body conducts local body elections and how rolls are revised.