Jaipur: The Rajasthan State Election Commission Monday directed that counting of votes for the 2026 urban local body (ULB) elections will begin at 8am on Sept 14 across the state.The commission has directed authorities to ensure paid leave for eligible voters on polling day, including those employed at places other than the constituencies where they are registered as voters.The SEC, in an order issued Monday, said counting for all 309 urban local bodies would commence simultaneously at 8am on Sept 14. Polling for the elections will be held in two phases — the first on Sept 9 and the second on Sept 11.The commission had earlier issued guidelines for counting votes polled through Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and the latest order directs all district election officers to ensure that counting begins at the prescribed time.In a separate order issued Monday, the SEC directed district election officers to ensure implementation of provisions relating to paid leave on polling day for voters in the urban local body elections.The commission referred to Section 28 of the Rajasthan Municipality Act, 2009, under which provisions of Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, relating to paid leave on polling day have been adopted for municipal elections.The SEC said employees who are registered voters in constituencies going to the polls but are employed at another location in connection with their work are also eligible for paid leave on polling day.The district election officers have been directed to take necessary action in accordance with the Election Commission of India’s guidelines on the issue.
