Pune Municipal Elections 2026: Complete Voter Guide and Schedule for Pune Elections
Overview
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) elections for 2026 will restore elected local government after a prolonged gap and will determine control of civic administration for the city and several newly merged villages.
Key dates and schedule
The State Election Commission has announced that polling for the municipal corporations, including Pune, will be held on 15 January 2026, with counting scheduled for 16 January 2026.
The formal candidate timeline is as follows:
- Nominations open: 23 December 2025
- Nominations close: 30 December 2025
- Scrutiny of nominations: 31 December 2025
- Last date for withdrawal of candidature: 2 January 2026
- Final list of candidates and symbol allotment: 3 January 2026
Who can vote
All residents of the Pune Municipal Corporation area who are registered on the electoral roll for civic elections are eligible to vote, subject to standard requirements: Indian citizenship, minimum age (18 years), and name included in the PMC voters’ list for the relevant ward.
Voter registration and checking your enrollment
Voters should confirm their names and ward details on the latest PMC electoral roll well before polling day. If you are not registered, check the municipal election roll registration window and procedures published by PMC and the State Election Commission; new registrations and corrections typically require proof of residence and identity and must meet the deadline set by the commission.
Polling day: what to expect
On polling day, voters must go to the polling station assigned to their ward and bring the accepted photo identity document(s); the specific list of valid ID proofs will be as notified by the election authorities.
Polling will be conducted using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) as is the standard practice for municipal corporation elections. Polling stations open and close at times notified by the State Election Commission; voters in queue when the station closes are entitled to cast their vote.
New wards and merged villages
The 2026 elections include representation for several villages and peri‑urban areas that were merged into PMC limits since the last polls. Residents of these newly included areas should check their ward allotment and polling station details, as these may differ from previous local body arrangements.
Issues likely to shape the polls
Local service delivery and urban management are expected to dominate voter concerns. Key issues likely to influence campaigning and voter choices include:
- Water supply and distribution
- Road maintenance and traffic management
- Solid waste collection and sanitation
- Drainage, flooding and stormwater management
- Urban planning and infrastructure for newly merged areas
- Budget allocation and transparency in civic spending
How results are declared and what follows
Votes will be counted on the day announced by the election authorities, and provisional results will be declared once counting for each ward is complete. Following declaration, successful candidates will be eligible to stake claim for mayoral and committee positions as per PMC rules and party arrangements; coalition-building may be necessary where no single party gains a clear majority.
Practical tips for voters
- Verify your name, ward and polling station in advance to avoid last‑minute confusion.
- Carry the required photo ID and, where applicable, any acknowledgement slip given during voter list verification.
- Plan travel to the polling station—allow extra time for queues and security checks.
- Follow polling‑day rules: do not carry mobile phones into the voting area if prohibited, and avoid campaigning within the prohibited radius of polling stations.
- If you notice discrepancies in the voters’ list or face difficulties at the polling station, ask for the presiding officer or contact the helpline numbers published by the State Election Commission.
How to follow updates and official communications
Voters should rely on official notifications from the State Election Commission and the Pune Municipal Corporation for authoritative updates on dates, procedures, and any changes to the schedule. Media coverage and party communications will provide campaign perspectives, but logistical and procedural information should always be confirmed from the election authorities.
Final note
The 2026 Pune Municipal elections present an important opportunity for residents to influence the management of urban services and the allocation of a large civic budget. Being registered, informed about your ward, and knowing the polling schedule are the essential steps to exercising your civic right effectively.
