Planning to Use Voter List Updated Till July 1, 2025, for Upcoming Local Body Elections

Mumbai | Taking into account the number of voters, polling stations, availability of electronic voting machines (EVMs), and human resources, planning has begun for the upcoming elections of local self-government bodies. For this, the voter list of the Legislative Assembly updated till July 1, 2025, will be used. Preparations should be made accordingly, directed State Election Commissioner Dinesh Waghmare today.

A video conference meeting was held today with district collectors regarding the preliminary preparations for the upcoming elections of Zilla Parishads, Panchayat Samitis, Municipal Councils, and Nagar Panchayats. Mr. Waghmare addressed the officials during this session. State Election Commission Secretary Suresh Kakani and various officers of the commission were also present.

Mr. Waghmare stated that a separate voter list is not prepared for local body elections. Instead, the voter list prepared by the Election Commission of India is used. A preliminary discussion has already been held with the Election Commission of India regarding the availability of the voter list updated till July 1, 2025.

He further mentioned that local body elections are conducted using the multi-member system, which means that compared to assembly elections, the number of polling stations will increase. The State Election Commission has already issued guidelines regarding the criteria for determining polling stations. Care should be taken to ensure all facilities are available at polling stations, considering the needs of general voters as well as specially-abled voters.

An accurate assessment of the available electronic voting machines should also be conducted. The State Election Commission is making every effort to ensure that sufficient voting machines are available as per the requirement.

Mr. Kakani added that the first-level checking of the EVMs should be taken up immediately and that they should be prepared for use in the elections. He emphasized that all necessary safety measures regarding EVMs should be implemented in a timely manner.

Preparations regarding the location of polling stations, the condition of polling station buildings, and the facilities available at those locations should begin immediately. A continuous review should be conducted regarding the availability or shortage of human resources. If needed, manpower should be made available in a timely manner by coordinating with the respective Divisional Commissioners.