Mumbai: In view of the experience of queues outside polling stations during the Lok Sabha elections, it has been decided to increase the number of polling stations for the upcoming assembly elections. The number of voters at each polling station has been increased from the earlier average of 1500 to 1200. As a result, the number of polling stations has increased by 218 compared to the Lok Sabha elections and the number of polling stations has now reached 10,111.
As per the directions of the Election Commission of India in view of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly Elections-2024, the polling stations in Mumbai have been rationalized with a view to facilitate the voters to cast their votes easily. With this rationalisation, the number of polling stations in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) area has gone up to 10,111. Compared to the Lok Sabha elections, the number of polling stations has increased by 218. This will help increase the speed and frequency of voting.
As per the directions of the Election Commission of India and the State Election Commission, the administration is preparing for the upcoming Assembly elections under the guidance of District Election Officer and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani. As part of this, polling stations have been rationalised. The number of polling stations has been decided keeping in mind the formula that on an average, the number of voters in a polling station will be up to 1200. Whereas, the polling stations at a single location with more polling stations have been decentralized. Therefore, the number of polling stations has increased compared to the Lok Sabha general elections.
A meeting was recently held at the BMC headquarters with representatives of political parties to provide information about polling stations.
There were a total of 2,509 polling stations in Mumbai city district during the Lok Sabha elections. In Mumbai Suburban district, the number was 7,384. With the rationalisation programme, the number of polling stations has gone up to 2,537 and 7,574 respectively, i.e., 10,111 in the entire Brihanmumbai area (Mumbai city and Mumbai suburban districts).
An awareness campaign 'Know Your Polling Station' has been undertaken by the administration to inform the voters about the new changes in the locations of the polling stations due to rationalization. Under this, the voter registration officers will go to the homes of the voters and inform them about the changes in the location of the polling stations.
