Ernakulam district is all set to hold local body polls on Tuesday. Around 26,67,746 voters will choose from 7,347 candidates in 2,220 wards across 111 local bodies. Polling hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 9. Ballot units and control units are placed at 3,021 polling stations. Nearly 14,000 officials are on duty, with polling materials distributed one day before across 28 centres. District Collector G. Priyanka inspected the preparedness at a centre in Kumbalangi. In 2020, 82 panchayats recorded a strong voter turnout of 81.01%, while 13 municipalities saw 75.56%. Kochi Corporation had a lower turnout of 62.04%. Authorities expect higher turnout this year, as last polls were held amid COVID fears. To improve transparency, webcasting is set up at 72 sensitive polling stations. Videography will be allowed at 147 stations, but only outside voting booths to protect ballot secrecy. Videos will be stored by the Election Commission, not shared with parties or candidates. Voters include 13,88,544 women, 12,79,170 men, and 32 transgender people. Campaigning was mostly silent on Monday, focusing on door-to-door talks and pamphlets.