The Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission has announced that the notification for the upcoming municipal elections will be issued on March 9, 2026, marking the formal start of the local body election process in the state.
As part of this process, the Election Commission will publish ward-wise photo electoral rolls for all municipalities and nagar panchayats across Andhra Pradesh on the same day.
Ward-Wise Voter Lists to Be Released
According to the official announcement, the ward-wise photo voter lists will serve as the primary basis for conducting municipal elections and for finalising reservations for chairperson posts and ward members.
The Election Commission stated that these lists are crucial for ensuring transparency, accuracy, and fairness in the electoral process.
Eligibility Cut-Off Date
The qualifying date for inclusion in the voter lists has been fixed as January 1, 2026. Only citizens whose names appear on the rolls as of this date will be eligible to vote in the municipal elections.
Officials have advised citizens to verify their details once the lists are published and report any discrepancies through the prescribed channels.
Role of Municipal Commissioners
The State Election Commission has appointed respective municipal commissioners as the designated authorities for the preparation and publication of the voter lists.
They will oversee the entire process, including verification, corrections, and final publication of the electoral rolls at the local level.
Significance of the Announcement
The issuance of the election notification signals the beginning of the election schedule, paving the way for reservation announcements, nomination filings, campaigning, and polling dates in the coming weeks.
Political parties and prospective candidates are expected to intensify preparations following the publication of the notification.
Public Advisory
The Election Commission has urged voters to stay informed through official channels and avoid relying on unverified information circulating on social media.
Further details regarding election phases, polling dates, and reservation categories are expected to be announced soon.
