Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 bring a public holiday on April 9. Schools, banks and offices shut, while essential services run. Check full list of what’s open and closed today.

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026: What's open and closed today

Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 bring a statewide public holiday on April 9. From schools and banks to offices, here's a simple guide to what's open and closed on election day.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Schools, colleges and banks remain closed across Kerala
  • Government offices shut, essential services continue
  • Voting takes place from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

If you’re in Kerala today, April 9, 2026, expect things to feel quieter than usual. With the Kerala Assembly Elections 2026 underway, the state has declared a public holiday to help people vote without hassle. This means schools, banks, and many offices are shut, while essential services continue to run.

Whether you’re stepping out to vote or planning your day, it helps to know what’s open and closed during the Kerala election day open and closed schedule.

Here’s a clear, no-confusion guide to how the day looks across the state.

Elections 2026 Live

ARE SCHOOLS OPEN DURING KERALA ELECTIONS 2026?

No, schools are closed today.

All government, aided, and private schools and colleges across Kerala remain shut due to the elections. Many of these institutions are being used as polling stations, which is why closures are nearly universal.

ARE BANKS OPEN ON KERALA ELECTION DAY?

Bank branches are closed today.

Both public and private sector banks are observing a holiday for the elections. However, customers can still use digital banking services like mobile apps, UPI, internet banking, and ATMs without any interruption.

So if you’re searching “banks open Kerala election day,” the answer is: branches closed, online services open.

Voter ID lost or not made? Know how you can still vote

GOVERNMENT OFFICES: OPEN OR CLOSED?

Most government offices are closed.

The state has declared April 9 a public holiday for all public offices and educational institutions.

What stays open:

  • Hospitals
  • Police services
  • Fire services
  • Emergency transport

These essential services continue to function as usual.

ARE PRIVATE OFFICES WORKING TODAY?

Partially.

Many private offices are either closed or operating with reduced staff. Employers are expected to give employees paid leave or time off to vote.

Some sectors like IT and retail may run on limited schedules or staggered shifts, but full closures are common in polling areas.

KERALA VOTING 2026 SCHEDULE

Voting is taking place across all 140 constituencies today.

Polling starts: 7:00 AM
Polling ends: 5:00 PM

Voters should carry a valid photo ID (EPIC/voter ID) and follow the instructions at polling booths.

WHY SO MANY CLOSURES?

The idea is simple: make it easier for everyone to vote. With fewer work and school commitments, more people can participate in the democratic process without rushing or skipping their vote.

- Ends