The Maharashtra elections of 2024 are approaching, and Mumbai is gearing up for a revamped voting experience. After facing issues like low voter turnouts and long queues during the recent Lok Sabha election, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced new facilities to make voting easier for citizens.
According to Bhushan Gagrani, the municipal commissioner and district election officer for Mumbai, several measures have been implemented to improve the voting process. Facilities such as waiting rooms, drinking water, clean toilets, and chairs will be provided at polling booths. Additionally, volunteers will be present to assist voters, and a new arrangement allows four voters to enter a polling booth simultaneously, speeding up the process.
Special provisions have also been made for differently-abled voters. A helpline number has been set up for them, and vehicles will be available to transport them to polling centers from various spots across the city. The polling centers are equipped with wheelchairs, ramps, and volunteers to ensure that differently-abled voters can easily exercise their right to vote.
To maintain the integrity of the voting process, mobile phones will not be allowed within a 100-meter radius of polling centers, even if they are switched off. This decision was made to address legal issues and ensure a fair voting environment. Around one lakh people, including BMC employees and police officers, will be on election duty to ensure a smooth voting process.
During the Lok Sabha election earlier this year, there were complaints of delays and long queues at polling centers in Mumbai. To address this, the number of polling booths in the city has been increased, and the average number of voters per polling station has been reduced. Critical polling stations have been identified based on voting patterns from the previous election to ensure appropriate monitoring and security measures.
Overall, these reforms aim to enhance the voting experience for citizens and encourage higher voter turnout in the upcoming Maharashtra elections. It is essential for every eligible voter to exercise their democratic right, and these new facilities and measures will make the process more accessible and efficient for all.
