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Bihar Vote Today: Phase 1 Timings, Turnout, and How to Cast Your Ballot (November 6, 2025)

The big day is here. Phase 1 of the Bihar Assembly elections is underway, and millions of people are heading to vote. Polling is taking place in 121 seats across 18 districts, from 7 AM to 6 PM, with some sensitive booths closing at 5 PM for security. If you plan to vote today, breathe, plan, and go early with your essentials.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Bihar vote process today. You will find clear answers on when to vote, what to carry, how the booth works, who is on the ballot in key contests, what turnout looks like right now, and what happens after the polls close. Carry water, your ID, and your voter slip. Stay calm, stay respectful, and make your vote count.

Bihar Election Today: Time, Seats, and What Is Happening

Today is Phase 1 of the Bihar Assembly elections. The state votes in two phases, with Phase 2 on November 11, and counting for both phases on November 14.

Voting today covers 121 constituencies across 18 districts. The polling window is 7 AM to 6 PM in most places, and a few booths close by 5 PM in security sensitive zones. About 3.75 crore voters are eligible to vote in this phase, including around 10.72 lakh new voters, many aged 18 to 19. For live turnout and constituency updates through the day, watch credible live feeds such as The Hindu’s Phase 1 Voting LIVE and Hindustan Times’ Bihar election 2025 live.

Polling hours today and early closures

• Standard time, 7 AM to 6 PM.
• Some booths, 5 PM close due to security.
• Go early, and check notices at the gate for your booth’s exact closing time.

If your area has seen early closures in past elections, avoid late evening lines. Morning hours are usually smoother.

Where voting is happening and how many voters

Phase 1 spans 121 seats in 18 districts. The scale is large, with about 3.75 crore registered voters expected to take part. Most polling stations are in rural areas, and authorities have deployed extra staff for crowd management and support.

Who is on the ballot today

Several big names are in the fray. Tejashwi Yadav is contesting from Raghopur. Other key figures in the state’s power contest include Samrat Choudhary, Tej Pratap Yadav (Independent), and Nitish Kumar. The Jan Suraaj Party, led by Prashant Kishor, is a new state-level player contesting across Bihar. For context on alliances and the two-phase schedule, you can refer to the overview on Wikipedia’s 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly election page.

What comes next: Phase 2 and counting date

• Phase 2 voting: November 11, 2025.
• Counting for both phases: November 14, 2025.
• Results are counted under the watch of election officials, with strong room protocols and round-wise updates shared through verified channels.

How to Vote in Bihar Today: Step-by-Step Process

Think of this as your personal checklist. Keep it handy. Share it with family and friends who may be voting for the first time.

Find your polling booth and check your name

• Confirm that your name is on the electoral roll for your constituency before you leave home.
• Use your voter slip shared by the Booth Level Officer, or check the electoral roll online through official portals.
• Can’t find your name or unsure of the booth? Go early and visit the help desk outside the polling station. Polling staff will guide you.

What to carry: ID and voter slip

• Carry one accepted photo ID, such as EPIC (voter ID), Aadhaar, passport, PAN, driving license, or other government IDs.
• Bring your voter slip or booth slip. It speeds up the queue at the first desk.
• Carry water, any regular medicines, and a small snack if needed.
• Travel light. Bags may be checked at the gate.

At the booth: from queue to casting your vote

• Join the queue, follow the line markers, and keep space.
• At the first desk, show your ID and voter slip.
• Your finger will be inked, and you may sign or provide a fingerprint.
• When your turn comes, enter the voting compartment alone.
• On the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), find your candidate’s name and symbol. Press the button next to the symbol of your choice.
• Look for the light and the brief paper display on the VVPAT window, which confirms your selection. Do not try to touch the VVPAT window.
• Phones must remain in your pocket or bag inside the voting compartment. No photography is allowed in the compartment.
• After voting, leave the station calmly so others can vote without crowding.

If something goes wrong

• Name missing or mismatch: speak to the presiding officer at the help desk.
• Machine stalls or seems unresponsive: wait for staff to assist. They are trained for this.
• Pressure, intimidation, or misconduct: report it on the spot to the presiding officer. Ask for a complaint number and note it down.
• Stay patient and safe. If a disruption occurs, follow directions from polling and security staff.

Live Today: Turnout, Security, and Stories From the Booths

On-ground updates help voters plan better. They also build trust in the process when shared with care and context.

Morning turnout and pace

By 11 AM, the pace picked up with around 27 to 28 percent turnout. By 1 PM, overall turnout reached about 42.3 percent, with district variation. Patna trailed at 37.72 percent by early afternoon, while some districts like Gopalganj surged ahead. For real-time figures and constituency highlights, follow Hindustan Times’ turnout tracker or NDTV’s live updates feed.

Tip: If your area had long morning lines, try late morning or mid afternoon. Avoid the evening rush if your booth could close at 5 PM.

Security and early close in some areas

Security is tight in sensitive pockets, with central forces and local police deployed. Webcasting is active at many polling stations to ensure transparency. A few booths may close at 5 PM for security. If your area has seen tensions in the past, aim to vote before late afternoon, and follow directions from staff without argument. For official cues and situational updates, you can also check public broadcasters like NewsOnAir’s Bihar polling coverage.

Human moments that inspire

One story stood out this morning. An elderly woman, unwell but determined, was carried on a cot by her family so she could vote. Scenes like this remind us why voting matters, not just as numbers but as care, duty, and pride. If it is safe and possible, help seniors and neighbors reach their booths. Offer water. Share shade. Small acts add up.

Key contests to watch tonight

All eyes will be on Raghopur, where Tejashwi Yadav is contesting. Senior leaders voted early to set the tone. The broader fight features the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan, with new challengers in pockets across the state. For seat-by-seat buzz after the polls, keep an eye on credible newsrooms like The Hindu’s live blog and NDTV’s live coverage.

After You Vote: What Happens Next and How Results Are Declared

Wonder what happens once the last vote is cast? The process is methodical, documented, and guarded.

After 6 PM: sealing and transport

• When polling ends, staff seal the EVMs and VVPATs in the presence of polling agents.
• They record serial numbers and prepare forms that note the final data points.
• Sealed machines are moved to strong rooms under armed guard.
• Strong rooms are watched around the clock, with CCTV and party agent access rules in place.

Counting day and how to track results

Counting for both phases is on November 14, 2025. Results are declared round by round, and updates roll out through official channels and credible media. For a simple big-picture view of dates and phases, see the election schedule on Wikipedia’s 2025 Bihar Assembly election page. For live numbers on counting day, follow trusted outlets like The Hindu’s results desk or the state’s official election announcements carried by NewsOnAir.

If results are delayed for some seats, wait for official confirmation. Accuracy comes first.

Stay alert and avoid fake news

• Treat viral claims with caution. Cross-check with official election updates.
• Do not share unverified videos or messages from unknown sources.
• Early trends can swing. Keep calm and wait for confirmed counts.

Quick Reference: Today’s Key Facts

Final Tips for a Smooth Voting Experience

• Hydrate before you leave, and carry a water bottle.
• Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.
• Keep your ID in a handy pocket, not deep inside a bag.
• Be kind to polling staff. They are there to help.
• Guide first-time voters in your family through the steps.
• Keep the line moving. Vote and exit without crowding the gate.

Conclusion

If you have not voted yet, this is your moment. Polling runs from 7 AM to 6 PM, with some booths closing at 5 PM. Carry an accepted photo ID, check your booth ahead of time, and stay patient in the queue. The next key dates are Phase 2 on November 11 and counting on November 14. Thank you for taking part in clean, calm voting. This is how communities grow stronger, one ballot at a time.