Special initiatives by the Election Commission to boost voter turnout in Mumbai on Nov 20

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Mumbai: With the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly elections scheduled for Wednesday, November 20, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a series of measures to address voter apathy and increase voter turnout in urban areas, particularly Mumbai. These elections are critical, not only from a political perspective but also as a reflection of the administration’s efforts to engage voters and improve participation in the democratic process.

Challenges of Low Voter Turnout in Mumbai

Mumbai, the financial capital of India, has consistently witnessed low voter turnout in recent elections. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, constituencies such as Mumbai North Central (52.21%), Mumbai South (50.33%), and Mumbai South Central (53.9%) reported some of the lowest participation rates in the state. Specific areas like Colaba (40.1%), Versova (42.4%), and Andheri West (43.3%) stood out for their exceptionally low turnouts.

Recognizing this as a cause for concern, the ECI studied the reasons behind voter disengagement, including long queues at polling stations, inadequate civic facilities, and competing priorities like vacations or personal commitments. Based on these findings, the Commission has taken concrete steps to encourage greater voter participation in the upcoming elections.

Administrative Overhaul for Efficient Polling

For the first time, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has been tasked with overseeing election operations in both the Mumbai City and Mumbai Suburban districts, with support from the respective district administrations. This change leverages the BMC’s extensive infrastructure and workforce to manage polling more effectively across the metropolis.

Seven senior IAS officers, including the Municipal Commissioner and four Additional Municipal Commissioners, have been appointed as District Election Officers (DEOs) and Additional DEOs. This integrated approach aims to address the logistical challenges of conducting elections in a densely populated city like Mumbai.

Rationalization of Polling Stations

To reduce overcrowding at polling booths and ensure a smooth voting process, the ECI has rationalized polling stations across Mumbai. The average number of voters per polling station has been capped at 1,200–1,300.

In the Mumbai City district, the number of polling stations has increased from 2,509 to 2,538, while in the Mumbai Suburban district, the count has risen from 7,384 to 7,574. Overall, 219 new polling stations have been added, bringing the total to 10,112. Furthermore, the number of polling stations located in or near housing societies has been increased to 701, providing greater convenience for voters.

Enhanced Facilities for Voters

This year, polling stations will feature assured minimum facilities (AMFs) such as drinking water, seating arrangements, clean toilets, trash bins, ramps for persons with disabilities (PwDs), wheelchairs, and adequate lighting and ventilation. In open areas, tents will be set up with improved quality standards. To assist voters, volunteers from the National Service Scheme (NSS) and National Cadet Corps (NCC) will be deployed at polling stations.

For PwD voters, the ECI has arranged for 997 dedicated vehicles, including accessible buses and rickshaws, across 1,284 pick-up points in Mumbai. Additionally, stair-climbing wheelchairs will be available at seven key polling locations. Home voting options have also been introduced for senior citizens above 85 years of age or those unable to travel to polling stations.

Innovative Voter Awareness Campaigns

The ECI, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer and the BMC, has launched several initiatives under the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) program. Key campaigns include:
1. Know Your Polling Station: Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have visited voters’ homes to inform them of any changes in polling station locations. Voters have also received letters with QR codes providing polling station details.
2. Sankalp Patra Campaign: Schoolchildren have encouraged their parents to vote by distributing “Sankalp Patras” urging them to fulfill their democratic duty.
3. Vote Kar, Mumbaikar!: This BMC-led campaign uses social media, involving over 50 celebrities from the film and sports industries, to promote voting.

Awareness is also being raised through street plays, marathons, flash mobs, and voter literature distributed in public spaces, schools, and colleges.

Incentives for Voters

To further incentivize voting, organizations such as the Maharashtra Retailers Association and the Hotel and Restaurant Association (AHAR) are offering discounts on food, movie tickets, and other purchases to voters who show proof of having voted. These offers are valid from November 20 to November 22, 2024, encouraging citizens to prioritize voting.

Call to Action for Mumbaikars

Despite being a progressive city, Mumbai’s low voter turnout tarnishes its reputation as an active participant in the democratic process. With extensive administrative preparations and widespread awareness campaigns in place, it is now up to the citizens to exercise their fundamental right to vote.

This election is not just about choosing representatives but also about strengthening democracy. The onus lies on Mumbaikars to step out on November 20, and ensure their voices are heard at the ballot box.