The Maharashtra assembly elections on Wednesday saw significant improvements in polling station facilities, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall voting experience, especially for senior citizens and persons with disabilities. Compared to the Lok Sabha elections in May, where voters faced long queues and inadequate facilities, this time the process was notably smoother, with better management of queues and more efficient polling setups across Mumbai. The Election Commission (EC) had instructed polling authorities to ensure assured minimum facilities (AMF) at all voting centres, including ramps, handrails, drinking water, waiting areas, and clear signage. In most centres across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, voters reported better arrangements, which contributed to a generally positive experience. However, some voters did note issues with the condition of ramps, the lack of facilities to deposit mobile phones, and in certain cases, inadequate access for disabled voters to reach the polling booths. Voters across Mumbai's western suburbs, central, and South Mumbai areas expressed satisfaction with the smoother process this time around. “The queues were much shorter compared to the May elections. I was in and out of the booth within five minutes,” said Jinita Shroff, a Dadar resident. During the May polls, many voters had to wait for over two hours under the harsh sun, with some complaining about the lack of shade and seating. The Election Commission increased the number of polling booths in Mumbai by 219, bringing the total to 10,117 booths for the assembly polls. This expansion significantly reduced overcrowding, as voters had access to more polling locations. Spacious waiting rooms were set up within the precincts of most voting stations, though many remained unused as voters had a quicker, more efficient experience. “The process was streamlined this time,” said Akash Desai (36), a voter from Andheri. “There were two separate lines for male and female voters, and I was done within seven minutes.” Other voters, like Sameer Shah (48), who had experienced long waits during the Lok Sabha elections, were impressed by the improvements. “It’s remarkable how much the authorities have improved the process. I was done in 10 minutes today, compared to the nightmare of waiting for over an hour during the last elections.” At some polling stations, such as the one at Dadar, polling booths were reorganised to reduce crowding. One room was designated for each booth, and separate entry and exit gates were introduced, further easing the flow of voters. Accessibility for elders, disabled The authorities also ensured greater accessibility for senior citizens and PwDs. Volunteers were stationed at entrances to guide voters, and special arrangements were made to assist elderly voters and those with disabilities. Senior citizens were allowed to bring their vehicles to the entrance of the polling stations, and many were provided with wheelchairs or other assistance by volunteers. “In 2019, there were no ramps, and I couldn’t vote. This time, volunteers made sure I could vote without any issues,” said Amit Tiwari, a 34-year-old paraplegic from Goregaon. In Mulund, 75-year-old Govind Patel, who was accompanied by his wife, was promptly offered a wheelchair upon arrival at the polling station. In some areas, the Election Commission collaborated with local entrepreneurs to provide accessible transport for PwDs. One such initiative came from Kandivali-based businessman Rohit Jain, who provided a wheelchair-accessible van to transport disabled voters to the polling stations. “Democracy should be inclusive, and it’s my duty to help PwDs exercise their rights,” Jain said. Creches, gender-specific booths In a bid to make voting easier for parents, several polling centres set up creches for children, particularly for mothers with young children. One such creche at the Navjivan Society in Mahim was managed by Anganwadi workers. Parvati Sonawane, an Anganwadi worker at the centre, said, “Most parents already know us, and it’s very convenient for them to leave their children here while they vote.” At the VJTI polling station in Wadala, a dedicated women’s booth, titled Sakhi Matdan Kendra, was set up, staffed entirely by women. Women voters were also greeted with roses as part of a special initiative. “It felt empowering to vote at a booth with all women working,” said one voter. Phones, selfie points, complaints The ban on mobile phones inside polling booths, enforced by the Election Commission, was mostly adhered to, though some voters were inconvenienced by the lack of facilities to deposit their phones. “I had to go home to store my phone before returning to vote,” said Mukesh Joshi (28) from Malad. In Navi Mumbai, phone deposit pouches with locks and keys were provided, but some voters in Kalyan faced difficulties when the police refused to allow them to enter with their phones. Many voters expressed disappointment over the absence of selfie points at some polling stations. “Selfie points are a great way to encourage voter participation,” said Rushikesh Raut (22), a product design engineer from Kalyan. “But there was nothing at my polling station.” Challenges for transgenders In Kalyan, a transgender voter, Kene, shared her experience of being stopped by a female police officer while trying to access a polling booth in an autorickshaw. Kene, who suffers from a spinal cord injury, was initially denied entry and misbehaved with by the officer. “Election day is the only day when we, as transgender people, feel like equals in society. This was an upsetting experience,” she said. After speaking with senior police and election officials, Kene was assured of corrective action and later cast her vote, along with other members of the transgender community. Improved Experience in Thane Voters in Thane also noticed improvements in the voting process. The number of polling booths in Thane was increased to 6,955, with 337 polling stations set up inside residential societies. At Akashganga Society, where there is a high population density, four booths were set up, significantly reducing waiting times. “My mother, a senior citizen, was able to vote separately, ensuring she didn’t have to wait long,” said Rizwana Sayyed (27), a Thane resident. Despite a few larger polling stations with long lines, the Election Commission had arranged shelters, drinking water stations, and seating to make the experience as comfortable as possible. Overall, the 2024 Maharashtra assembly elections in Mumbai saw significant improvements in infrastructure, accessibility, and voter management, contributing to a smoother and more inclusive voting experience for all.
