The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially declared a paid holiday for all employees on polling days for the 2026 Assembly and by-elections. This includes casual and daily wage workers, ensuring that all eligible voters can cast their ballots without facing work-related obstacles. The decision is grounded in Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates that employees entitled to vote must be granted a holiday on election days. The elections will take place in states including Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, with polling dates set for April 9 and April 23, 2026. Employers are prohibited from deducting wages on these days, and those who violate this rule will face penalties. The ECI has instructed all State and Union Territory governments to ensure compliance with this directive, allowing voters, even those working outside their constituencies, to participate freely. The results for these elections will be announced on May 4, 2026.