Voter Slip Distribution Starts in Pune Ahead of November 20 Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Pune, 5th November 2024: The distribution of voter slips for the upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections, scheduled for November 20, is set to begin today, according to District Collector Suhas Diwase. The initiative is aimed at ensuring voters are well-informed about their designated polling booths, facilitating a smoother voting process.
Pune district, which boasts the highest number of registered voters in the state with 88.49 lakh electors, has received approval to commence the distribution earlier than usual, Diwase noted. “Typically, voter slips are distributed five days before the election, but considering Pune’s large voter base and expansive geography, we’ve been granted permission to start earlier,” Diwase explained.
He added that the distribution will initially focus on rural areas, with urban areas following shortly after. “We are prioritizing rural regions first, given their larger geographic spread, and will then move to city areas. Additionally, we have set up helpdesks at ward offices to assist citizens in locating their polling booths more easily,” Diwase said.
In the past, there were challenges during the Lok Sabha elections, where some voters struggled to find their names on the electoral rolls and did not receive their voter slips, resulting in confusion about polling booth locations. The early distribution this year is intended to prevent such issues and ensure a more efficient voting process.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has also taken note of low voter turnout in two key constituencies in Pune—Pune Cantonment and Shivajinagar—which recorded only 43% voter participation in previous elections. As a result, special efforts are being made to improve voter engagement and turnout in these areas during the upcoming assembly elections.
