AP MPTC and ZPTC Polling Day on 3 November 2026: How You Vote With Two Ballot Papers, One Box and a Rubber Stamp — and When Counting Happens

AP MPTC and ZPTC Polling Day on 3 November 2026: How to Vote With Two Ballot Papers, One Box and a Rubber Stamp

Andhra Pradesh’s MPTC and ZPTC elections are scheduled for Tuesday, 3 November 2026. Voters will elect representatives to Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs).

Unlike elections that use electronic voting machines, these elections follow a paper-ballot system. If both elections are being held in your area, you will receive two ballot papers, mark your choices with the prescribed rubber stamp and place both papers into the same ballot box.

Here is a simple guide to polling day, the voting procedure and the counting schedule.

1 AP MPTC–ZPTC election dates

The schedule announced by the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission covers 9,829 MPTC seats and 659 ZPTC seats across the state. Check the official APSEC website for updated notices and constituency-specific details.

2 Why will you receive two ballot papers?

MPTC and ZPTC are two different levels of rural local government. They represent different territorial constituencies, so the voter makes a separate choice for each election.

• MPTC ballot paper: Used to vote for the candidate contesting your Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituency.
• ZPTC ballot paper: Used to vote for the candidate contesting your Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituency.

When both elections take place together, the ballot papers are distinguishable by colour:

• White ballot paper — ZPTC
• Pink ballot paper — MPTC

Follow the instructions given by polling officials if the ballot papers or local arrangements differ under an official direction.

3 How to vote on 3 November: Step by step

Step 1: Reach your polling station

Check your name in the electoral roll and confirm your polling station before leaving home. Carry an accepted identity document as required by the election authorities.

At the polling station, officials will verify your identity and your entry in the electoral roll.

Step 2: Complete the identity verification process

Once your details have been verified, the polling staff will follow the prescribed procedure, including marking your left forefinger with indelible ink and recording the required voter acknowledgement.

You will then be issued the relevant ballot paper or papers for the elections being held in your area.

Step 3: Receive the two ballot papers

If both MPTC and ZPTC elections apply to you, you will receive:

• One white ballot paper for ZPTC.
• One pink ballot paper for MPTC.

The papers are issued one at a time. Check the heading and the candidates’ names and symbols before marking each paper.

Step 4: Use the prescribed rubber stamp

Enter the screened voting compartment so that your choice remains secret.

On each ballot paper, place the prescribed voting mark on or near the symbol of the candidate you want to elect, following the polling officials’ instructions.

Make sure you mark the correct ballot paper for the election you intend to vote in. Avoid making extra marks or marking more than one candidate on the same paper, as this may invalidate your vote under the applicable rules.

Step 5: Fold each ballot paper

After marking a ballot paper, fold it along the existing folds so that your choice remains concealed. Do the same with the second ballot paper.

Do not display your marked ballot paper to other people. Protecting the secrecy of your vote is an essential part of the voting procedure.

Step 6: Put both papers into the same ballot box

When both elections are held together, both the white ZPTC ballot paper and the pink MPTC ballot paper go into the same common ballot box.

You do not need to search for a second ballot box for the other election. Follow the directions of the polling officials and place the folded papers in the designated common box.

4 Can you vote for different candidates in MPTC and ZPTC?

Yes. These are separate elections, so you can choose one candidate for MPTC and a different candidate for ZPTC.

For example, you may mark the symbol of Candidate A on the pink MPTC ballot paper and Candidate B on the white ZPTC ballot paper. Your choices are independent, and neither ballot paper determines your choice on the other.

You do not have to vote for candidates from the same political party in both elections.

5 What happens if you make a mistake on the ballot paper?

Do not try to correct a marked ballot paper yourself or take it outside the voting compartment.

Immediately inform the Presiding Officer or the polling official and explain what happened. The official will decide what procedure is permitted under the applicable election rules.

If you have a question about which ballot paper to use or how to mark it, ask the polling staff before marking your vote.

6 When will counting happen?

The counting of MPTC and ZPTC votes is scheduled for Thursday, 5 November 2026, beginning at 8 AM.

Counting will take place under the supervision of the designated election officials. The Returning Officer will oversee the counting process and the declaration of results in accordance with the applicable rules.

A repoll, if required, is scheduled for 4 November. The election authorities may issue further instructions if a polling station requires a fresh poll or if the schedule changes.

For official updates, visit the Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission.

7 Before you leave for polling day

Use this quick checklist:

• Confirm that your name is on the relevant electoral roll.
• Check your polling station and polling hours.
• Carry an accepted identity document.
• Understand that the white paper is for ZPTC and the pink paper is for MPTC.
• Mark only your intended candidate on each ballot paper.
• Fold each paper to maintain secrecy.
• Place both papers in the common ballot box when both elections are held together.

Frequently asked questions

When is AP MPTC and ZPTC polling?

Polling is scheduled for 3 November 2026, from 7 AM to 5 PM.

When will the votes be counted?

Counting is scheduled for 5 November 2026, starting at 8 AM.

Will I receive two ballot papers?

Yes, if both MPTC and ZPTC elections are being held in your area.

Which ballot paper is white and which is pink?

The established procedure uses white for ZPTC and pink for MPTC.

Do both ballot papers go into the same box?

Yes. When the two elections are held together, both ballot papers are placed in one common ballot box.

Can I vote for candidates from different parties?

Yes. You make a separate choice for each election.

Final takeaway

On 3 November, eligible voters participating in both AP MPTC and ZPTC elections will make two separate choices using paper ballots. Remember the key procedure: white for ZPTC, pink for MPTC, use the prescribed rubber stamp, fold each paper to maintain secrecy, and place both papers in the same ballot box.

Counting is scheduled for 5 November 2026. Check official election notices before polling day for any changes to dates, polling stations or local instructions.

Official information: Andhra Pradesh State Election Commission.