Polling in the second phase of Rajasthan’s Panchayati Raj elections recorded 13% voter turnout by 10 a.m. on October 28, 2026, across 22 districts, according to election officials. Voting began at 7 a.m. for 352 zila parishad wards and 2,197 panchayat samiti wards, but faulty electronic voting machines delayed the start at several booths.
The poll is scheduled to continue until 6 p.m. Officials said voters who reach polling stations before the deadline will be allowed to cast their ballots. Each voter is voting for two representatives: one member of the zila parishad and another of the panchayat samiti.
Where voting was delayed
Election officials reported machine-related interruptions in parts of Ajmer, Jodhpur and Jhunjhunu. Voting began about 30 minutes late at two Ajmer booths, while EVM problems affected two booths in Jodhpur’s Tiwari panchayat samiti.
At booth 71 in Muradpur village under Jhunjhunu’s Singhana panchayat samiti, an EVM developed a fault after the first vote was cast. Officials replaced the machine, after which polling resumed.
"The early turnout figure shows that polling is progressing across the phase, but booth-level EVM interruptions remain an immediate operational concern."
What is being decided
The second phase covers 352 zila parishad wards and 2,197 panchayat samiti wards, making it a substantial test of participation in Rajasthan’s rural local-government elections. The results will determine representatives responsible for local planning, public works and the delivery of rural development programmes.
Urban Development and Housing Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra was among the early voters, queuing at booth 54 in Bharni village of Sikar district. In Neem Ka Thana’s Ganeshwar village, 95-year-old Mali Devi also voted with her family, officials said.
| Key Metric / Entity | Verified Detail | Strategic Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Second-phase turnout | 13% by 10 a.m. on October 28, 2026 | Measures early participation across 22 districts |
| Polling coverage | 352 zila parishad wards and 2,197 panchayat samiti wards | Determines representation in rural local bodies |
| Polling hours | 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Voters in line before closing time can still vote |
| EVM disruptions | Delays reported in Ajmer, Jodhpur and Jhunjhunu | Replacement machines and repairs were needed at affected booths |
| Remaining phases | November 3 and November 14 | Completes the revised four-phase election schedule |
The remaining election schedule
The elections are being conducted under a revised four-phase schedule. Voting for the first phase of zila parishad and panchayat samiti seats took place on October 22, while elections for panch and sarpanch posts were held on October 24.
The remaining zila parishad and panchayat samiti polling phases are scheduled for November 3 and November 14. Election authorities will continue monitoring booth operations and replacing malfunctioning machines where required so that eligible voters can cast their ballots before polling closes.
