Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana government has announced a paid holiday on Sunday, May 10, 2026, to facilitate voter participation in the upcoming municipal civic polls. This directive applies to all registered voters residing in the specific regions where polling is scheduled to take place. Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi issued an official notification outlining the details of the exemption to ensure that citizens can exercise their democratic rights without facing any professional or financial setbacks.
The electoral process on this date will cover a broad range of municipal bodies across the province. Voters will cast their ballots to elect the mayor and all ward councillors in the municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula, and Sonipat. Furthermore, elections will be held for the positions of president and councillors in the Rewari municipal council, as well as the municipal committees of Sampla in Rohtak, Dharuhera in Rewari, and Uklana in Hisar. The comprehensive polling day is expected to draw significant participation from local residents aiming to shape their regional governance.
In addition to the general municipal elections, by-elections are scheduled for six vacant wards across various districts. These include ward 17 of the Tohana municipal council in Fatehabad, ward 13 of the Jhajjar municipal council, and ward 11 of the Rajound municipal committee in Kaithal. Registered voters will also head to the polls in ward 08 of Taraori in Karnal, ward 14 of Kanina in Mahendragarh, and ward 09 of Sadhaura in Yamunanagar to select their local representatives.
The mandate for the paid holiday is enforced under Section 135-B of the Representation of the People Act of 1951. According to the state directive, this benefit extends to all eligible voters employed in government offices, educational institutions, boards, and corporations throughout Haryana. Furthermore, the provision is strictly applicable to workers and employees engaged in the private sector, including factories, commercial shops, and other private establishments, ensuring equitable access to the ballot box for the entire regional workforce.
