Bihar MLC Election 2026: Kosi Graduate Constituency Voting on Oct 23

Preparations across Kishanganj district have entered the final stretch for the upcoming biennial elections to the 06-Kosi Graduate Constituency of the Bihar Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad). A total of 3,554 registered graduate voters, comprising 2,898 male and 656 female electors, are set to cast their ballots across eight designated polling centers in the district on Thursday, October 23. Polling will commence at 8:00 AM and conclude at 4:00 PM, followed by the centralized counting of votes on October 27, with the entire statutory electoral exercise slated for completion by October 31. District Deputy Election Officer Parveen Jahan convened an all-party coordination briefing with representatives of recognized political outfits at the Collectorate, outlining strict Election Commission directives covering preferential marking, ballot box operations, rejection criteria, and approved identity documentation.Kochadhaman Tops Voter Numbers: Comprehensive Center-Wise Electoral Breakdown Across KishanganjThe administrative census reveals varying voter concentrations across the eight designated polling locations in the border district:Kochadhaman Emerges as the Largest Hub: Kochadhaman block records the highest graduate electorate in the district with 852 registered voters, consisting of 748 male and 104 female electors.Subdivisional and Block-Level Distribution: The Kishanganj subdivisional polling station accounts for 574 voters, followed by Thakurganj with 541 voters, and Bahadurganj with 521 registered electors.Rural Block Demographics: Among the remaining regional centers, Pothia registers 347 voters, Dighalbank has 323, Tedhagachh accounts for 214, while the Kishanganj rural block center hosts 182 electors.Timely Notification Milestones: As outlined in the statutory election calendar, the official gazette notification was issued on September 29, nominations closed on October 6, scrutiny was finalized on October 7, and the final date for candidate withdrawals concluded on October 9.Ballot Paper Voting Over EVMs: Rules on Violet Sketch Pens, Preference Numbers & Rejection CriteriaUnlike standard general assembly or parliamentary elections that deploy Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), the MLC Graduate poll relies on traditional paper ballots governed by proportional representation:Mandatory First Preference Marking: Voters must express their candidate choices by writing figures in order of preference directly against candidate names; writing the number "1" next to the primary preferred candidate is strictly compulsory.Subsequent Preferences Optional: Electors may assign sequential numerical rankings such as 2, 3, and onward to secondary choices, though specifying preferences beyond the initial choice remains optional.Sole Use of Official Violet Sketch Pen: Marking on the ballot paper must be executed exclusively using the designated violet sketch pen supplied directly by the polling presiding officer inside the voting compartment.Strict Invalidation Grounds: Ballots will face summary rejection during counting if marked using personal pens or pencils, if the first preference "1" is marked against more than one candidate, if preferences are spelled out in words instead of numerical digits, or if tick marks, crosses, signatures, names, or identifiable marks are placed on the paper.Absence of NOTA and Mock Polls: The election authority clarified that the proportional single transferable voting system does not feature a None of the Above (NOTA) option or pre-poll mock drills.Approved Identification Checklist: Acceptable Official Documents at Polling BoothsTo establish identity before entering the voting compartment, electors can present any of the authorized alternative photo identification documents approved by the commission:Primary Government ID Proofs: Recognized official documents include standard Indian Passports, Driving Licenses, Permanent Account Number (PAN) cards, and national identification cards.Institutional & Employment Credentials: Service identity cards issued to employees of central or state governments, public sector undertakings (PSUs), or educational institutions, alongside official credentials issued to Members of Parliament (MPs), MLAs, and MLCs.Academic and Disability Certifications: Original university degree or diploma certificates, government disability certificates, and Unique Disability Identity Cards (UDID) are fully valid for voter verification at all eight polling stations.