In a significant move to combat urban voter apathy, municipal corporations across Maharashtra are preparing to set up polling stations within or near large residential complexes for the upcoming civic elections. This initiative, greenlit by the State Election Commission (SEC), replicates a successful model tested during the 2024 assembly elections.
Bridging the Distance to Boost Participation
Election officials state that the core objective is to make voting more accessible and convenient, thereby addressing practical barriers that often deter urban voters. "Bringing polling facilities closer to voters helps remove practical barriers such as distance, confusion about booth locations, and long waiting times," explained an SEC official. The hope is that by simplifying the process, more residents, especially senior citizens, will be encouraged to cast their votes.
The response from major civic bodies has been positive. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC), and Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) are all extending this facility. Naval Kishore Ram, the PMC election commissioner, confirmed receiving a positive response from housing societies willing to host booths. "This arrangement will make voting more accessible and encourage residents to step out and vote in larger numbers," Ram said.
Pune Leads with Strategic Booth Allocation
Pune has taken a proactive lead in this initiative. According to PMC officials, a total of 258 polling booths are planned in and around housing societies across the city. These booths must be located within a 2-kilometer radius of voters' residences to ensure convenience.
The area-wise breakdown of these society-centric booths in Pune is as follows:
- Wanowrie-Ramtekdi: 64 booths
- Kothrud-Bavdhan: 48 booths
- Warje-Karvenagar: 45 booths
- Aundh-Baner: 39 booths
- Sinhagad Road: 23 booths
- Dhankawdi-Sahakarnagar: 14 booths
- Other areas account for the remaining booths.
In Mumbai, the BMC has identified approximately 850 polling booths in or near large residential complexes, while PCMC officials have planned for around 40 such booths.
Safeguards and Public Response
To ensure the integrity of the process and prevent any conflict of interest, the SEC has instituted a crucial safeguard. A polling booth will not be set up in a housing society where a contesting candidate resides. "This condition is mandatory and is being strictly followed," the SEC official emphasized. Furthermore, societies hosting booths must provide adequate security and cannot restrict entry to any voter on polling day.
Residents have welcomed the move, citing increased convenience and organization. A voter whose booth was assigned to a neighboring society noted, "It is convenient when the booth is close to the society. The process feels more streamlined and encourages people, especially senior citizens, to vote." Civic officials believe that reducing the inconvenience of voting on a busy working day is key to improving participation levels in urban areas.
Counting Day Schedule Stands Firm
In a related development, the State Election Commission has turned down a request from polling staff to shift the counting day from January 16 to January 17. Staff had raised concerns about the intense workload, as returning officers handling multiple wards would need to seal EVMs after polling and immediately prepare for counting starting at 10 AM the next day.
An official involved stated, "It will definitely be very stressful, and we were hoping there would be a change. However, we were informed that it is not possible now." The SEC indicated that such concerns should have been raised before the final election program was officially announced.
