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Himachal to hold polls in 51 urban local bodies on May 17
Elections in 51 urban local bodies across Himachal Pradesh are scheduled for May 17. A formal notification issued on April 21 activated the Model Code of Conduct, with detailed nomination, scrutiny, and counting timelines announced for municipal corporations, councils, and nagar panchayats.
Why It Matters
This marks the first major electoral exercise in Himachal Pradesh’s urban local governance for the year, with voter engagement and local governance outcomes hinging on the results across 51 ULBs.
Timeline
15 Events
Counting for municipal corporations (MCs) begins
May 31, 2026
Counting of votes for the four municipal corporations will begin on May 31 from 9 am.
Polling day in 51 urban local bodies
May 17, 2026
Polling will be held from 7 am to 3 pm. Results for the municipal councils and nagar panchayats will be announced on the same day after counting; counting for the four municipal corporations will be conducted on May 31 from 9 am.
Symbol allotment
May 6, 2026
Allotment of symbols will be done after the withdrawal window closes.
Nomination withdrawals
May 6, 2026
Nominations can be withdrawn between 10 am and 6 pm on May 6, after which the allotment of symbols will be done.
Scrutiny of nominations
May 4, 2026
Scrutiny of nominations will be conducted on May 4.
Nomination papers filing continues (May 2)
May 2, 2026
Nomination papers can be filed on May 2 between 11 am and 3 pm.
Nomination papers filing continues (April 30)
April 30, 2026
Nomination papers can be filed on April 30 between 11 am and 3 pm.
Nomination papers filing window opens (April 29)
April 29, 2026
Nomination papers can be filed on April 29 between 11 am and 3 pm for the 51 urban local bodies.
Polling stations list to be published
April 29, 2026
The list of polling stations for the elections will be published on April 29.
Return officers to issue public notices
April 28, 2026
Returning officers will issue public notices on April 28, after which nomination papers can be filed on April 29, 30 and May 2 between 11 am and 3 pm.
Additional notes on electoral process and Panchayati Raj timings
April 22, 2026
The commission stated there is no clash with Panchayati Raj elections and that the schedule for elections in over 3,600 Panchayats will be announced this week; elaborate security arrangements are being made, and a paid holiday will be observed on the polling day.
Expenditure limits for candidates
April 22, 2026
Expenditure ceilings are fixed at ₹1 lakh for municipal corporations, ₹75,000 for municipal councils, and ₹50,000 for nagar panchayats. Expenditure statements must be submitted within 30 days of declaration of results.
Electorate details
April 22, 2026
There are a total of 3,60,859 eligible voters: 1,80,963 men, 1,79,882 women and 14 in the 'others' category, including 1,808 first-time voters.
No clash with Panchayati Raj elections; Panchayats schedule to be announced
April 22, 2026
The commission stated there is no clash between the urban local body elections and Panchayati Raj elections. It said the schedule for elections in over 3,600 Panchayats would be announced this week.
Election schedule announced and Code of Conduct activated
April 21, 2026
State election commissioner Anil Khachi announced that elections across 51 urban local bodies in Himachal Pradesh will be held on May 17. A formal notification was issued by the state election commission on April 21, and the Model Code of Conduct came into force on the same day.