Election Dry Days in November 2023

Election dates have been announced for five states going to the polls in November 2023: Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Telangana. The Election Commission of India’s rules say that for 48 hours before polling, all liquor licencees in the area are to be closed. This usually starts at 5pm, two days before voting day. On the day of the ballot, bars and alcohol shops can open at 5pm or after poll booths are closed.

Following this, counting day (3 December) is also a dry day. But only until results are announced in the area. Again, that’s usually around 5pm. But could be earlier or later.

So, here’s the schedule for dry days around state legislative assemblies in India for 2023. Stock up in advance, drink sensibly, and don’t waste your vote.

Mizoram

It’s technically a dry state. But wine is exempt, which will be unavailable on these days.

• 5 Nov: Pre-poll day ¹
• 6 Nov: Pre-poll day ²
• 7 Nov: Phase 1 polling day ³
• 3 Dec: Counting day ⁴

Chhattisgarh

• 5 Nov: Phase 1 pre-poll day ¹
• 6 Nov: Phase 1 pre-poll day ²
• 7 Nov: Phase 1 polling day ³
• 15 Nov: Phase 2 pre-poll day ¹
• 16 Nov: Phase 2 pre-poll day ²
• 17 Nov: Phase 2 polling day ³
• 3 Dec: Counting day ⁴

Madhya Pradesh

• 15 Nov: Pre-poll day ¹
• 16 Nov: Pre-poll day ²
• 17 Nov: Polling day ³
• 3 Dec: Counting day ⁴

Rajasthan

Update: Election day moved from the 23rd to the 25th

• 23 Nov: Pre-poll day ¹
• 24 Nov: Pre-poll day ²
• 25 Nov: Polling day ³
• 3 Dec: Counting day ⁴

Telangana

• 28 Nov: Pre-poll day ¹
• 29 Nov: Pre-poll day ²
• 30 Nov: Polling day ³
• 3 Dec: Counting day ⁴

¹: Dry from 5pm, or whatever time the state election commission specifies
²: The entire 24 hour period is dry
³: Dry until 5pm or the end of polling in the constituency, whichever is later
⁴: Dry until the announcement of results in the constituency