As the 2026 election draws near, voters are reminded to verify their identity twice and receive three ballots: for MPs and the referendum. For those voting in the referendum only, the Election Commission has arranged special channels to exercise their voting rights.
On 18 January 2026, the countdown to the election on Sunday, 8 February 2026, is underway. Eligible voters can go to their designated polling stations. Meanwhile, some who registered for advance voting in their district, outside their district, or abroad, must cast their votes on 1 February 2026, the official advance voting day set by the Election Commission. However, those voting on the constitutional referendum can do so only on 8 February; no advance voting will be arranged for the referendum. Polling hours for all voting days are the same: opening at 08:00 and closing at 17:00.
Acting Lt. Phasakorn Siriphakayaporn, Deputy Secretary-General of the Election Commission, has previously explained the procedures for entering polling booths to vote in elections and referendums. On 8 February, "voters must verify their identity twice to receive both the election and referendum ballots." First, they check the register to receive the MP election ballot and enter the booth to mark it. After voting for MPs, they check the referendum register, receive the referendum ballot, mark it, and cast it. Voters should allow enough time as failure to vote in any category will result in restrictions under the law.
For those voting only in the referendum, polling stations will have two sections: the normal entrance and a special entrance for voters who have already cast their MP vote in advance but still need to vote in the referendum. Polling station officials will facilitate access to the special channel for these voters.
Regarding voters who vote for MPs on the morning of 8 February but have urgent business and return in the afternoon to vote in the referendum, Acting Lt. Phasakorn said this is allowed as a right. The elections for MPs and the referendum are governed by different laws. If someone votes for MPs and then has urgent business, they may return later to vote in the referendum. For voters eligible for both, they are asked to use the normal channel to keep the process smooth. Those who have voted for MPs but still want to vote in the referendum should use the special channel to avoid confusion and exercise all their rights fully.
For the 2026 election, the Election Commission has designated the following ballot colors:
Voters who are unsure or do not know their assigned polling station can check on the Department of Provincial Administration website. Click to check voter eligibility. By entering their 13-digit ID number and clicking check, the system will display the election date, constituency, polling location, and list order, preparing voters to exercise their rights on election day.
