Maharashtra Local Body Polls Introduce Double Voting System for Eligible Voters

Maharashtra election commission introduces a unique double voting system for voters in overlapping jurisdictions. Star-marked voters can cast votes in both municipal and district council elections, with digital verification ensuring transparency and preventing duplicate voting.

Mumbai: The State Election Commission in Maharashtra has implemented a new and unique provision for the upcoming local body elections. Under this provision, some specific voters will be able to cast their votes twice.

While this may sound unusual, its purpose is not to facilitate any kind of malpractice or illegal voting, but rather it has been implemented due to technical and administrative reasons.

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How will the double voting system work?

In the new system, a star (*) symbol will be placed next to some names in the voter list. This symbol signifies that the person is eligible to vote for two different bodies. Such voters will be able to cast their votes in both the Municipal Council and District Council elections.

The Election Commission has clarified that the entire process will be tracked digitally. The objective is to ensure that no person votes twice in the same body. A separate database and marking system have been created for this purpose.

Why was the double voting system implemented?

Several districts in Maharashtra have recently undergone a reorganization of administrative boundaries. As a result, some voters fall into areas that come under two different bodies (District Council and Municipal Council). Allowing such voters to vote twice is necessary so that they can participate in the local representation process at both levels.

In simple terms, this facility is only for those voters who fall under dual administrative boundaries. All other voters will cast their votes only once in the usual manner.

Identification of Duplicate Voters

The State Election Commission has stated that the ‘star (*) symbol’ will be placed only next to the names of those voters who are on the voter lists of both bodies. At the polling station, an e-list and app-based verification system will be used to ensure that no person votes twice in the same body.

Separate Records and Women's Safety

Separate records of duplicate voters will be maintained, and both lists will be synchronized after the voting to prevent any discrepancies. A new app will also be launched, allowing voters to check their names and polling station information.

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In addition, ‘pink polling stations’ will be set up for women, where only female staff and female police officers will be deployed, ensuring a safe environment for women to cast their votes.

This new provision has been introduced to make the voting process transparent and streamlined and will also ensure proper participation of voters following the administrative changes.