Why Maharashtra’s voters must cast multiple votes, except in Mumbai, during municipal corporation polls

Under the multiple-member ward system, a single municipal ward elects three or four corporators instead of one. A municipal corporation is made up of several such wards.

The system has been implemented by the State Election Commission to align representation with population size in large urban centres. In effect, one ward elects three or four corporators, and each voter in that ward has multiple votes to cast, one for each seat. These votes are mandatory, with every vote corresponding to a separate corporator’s seat.

Q) Why was the system introduced?

Election authorities say the multiple-member ward format is intended to provide broader representation in densely populated urban areas, reduce the number of wards while retaining proportional representation and allow voters to choose multiple representatives from their locality

Critics, however, argue that the system favours larger political parties that can field full panels of candidates, while also increasing voter confusion, especially among those accustomed to the single-vote format.

Q) How does voting work on polling day?

Step 1: Voter verification

As in Assembly and Lok Sabha elections, the voter’s name is verified against the electoral roll, indelible ink is applied, and a voter slip is issued.

Step 2: Inside the polling booth

Inside the booth, the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) consists of one control unit, operated by polling officials and multiple ballot units displaying candidates’ names and symbols

More than one ballot unit is required because of the large number of candidates contesting in four-member wards.

Step 3: Casting multiple votes

Once the EVM is activated, the voter presses the button next to one candidate on the first ballot unit, after confirmation, the machine prompts the voter to cast the second, third, and if necessary the fourth votes in sequence.

Each vote is recorded separately and confirmed through a beep and a VVPAT slip. Failure to vote three times in a three-member ward or four times in a four-member ward means the machine will not beep or dispense the VVPAT slip.

Voters may vote for all three or four candidates from the same party or split their votes across parties or Independents. They can also choose NOTA for one or more votes

Step 4: Completion of voting

The voting process is completed only after all three or four votes are cast. The EVM does not finalise the vote in the middle. Once the fourth vote is recorded, the voter exits the booth.

Q) Can a voter cast fewer than four votes?

No. In four-member wards, voters must cast all three or four votes. If a voter does not wish to support any candidate for a particular seat, they must select NOTA for that vote.

Q) What role do polling officials play?

Polling officials are permitted to explain how the voting process works, and also inform voters of the number of votes they need to cast. They are not allowed to suggest or indicate any candidate or party or influence the voter’s choice in any manner.

Longer voting times are expected during the initial hours of polling as voters familiarise themselves with the new system.

Q) Do voters in Mumbai also have to vote four times?

No. Mumbai is the sole exception in Maharashtra’s municipal corporation elections. Unlike the rest of the state, elections to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) continue to follow the single-member ward system, under which one ward elects one corporator, and each voter casts only one vote.

Mumbai alone has retained the traditional system, with 227 wards electing 227 corporators, one per ward.

Q) Do voters need to visit multiple booths?

Maharashtra’s multiple-member ward system does not require voters to visit multiple booths or participate in multiple elections. Instead, it requires them to select four representatives from the same ward in a single voting session.