No excuse to skip voting: EC mandates paid holiday for all workers, including daily wagers

The Election Commission of India on Friday made it clear that every voter will get a paid day off on polling day, including those working on daily wages or in casual jobs.

The idea is simple. No one should have to choose between earning a day’s income and casting their vote. The Commission has also warned employers against violating the rule.

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“As per Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, every person employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or any other establishment, and entitled to vote at an election to the House of the People or to the Legislative Assembly of a States/UTs or Bye-election to a PC/AC shall be granted a paid holiday on the day of poll,” the Commission said in a statement.

Who gets the benefit and when polling will take place

The order applies to Assembly elections in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry, along with by-elections in eight Assembly seats across Karnataka, Maharashtra, Goa, Gujarat, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Voting is scheduled for April 9 in Assam, Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland, Kerala, Puducherry, and Tripura. Tamil Nadu, Gujarat and Maharashtra will vote on April 23. West Bengal will go to the polls in two phases on April 23 and April 29.

The Commission has made it clear that employers cannot cut salaries for this leave. It added that any violation will attract a penalty.

Importantly, the rule also covers workers who are employed outside their home constituency. If they are registered voters in a seat going to the polls, they must still be given paid leave to travel and vote.

The Commission has asked all state and Union Territory governments to ensure the rules are followed strictly so that voters can exercise their franchise without hurdles.

Counting of votes for these elections will take place on May 4, 2026.