Maharashtra Assembly Election 2024: Maharashtra recorded an 18.14% voter turnout by 11 am as polling continued across all 288 assembly constituencies, election officials reported. In Gadchiroli district, 30% of voters had cast their ballots within the first four hours, with Aheri recording a 30.6% turnout and Armori slightly higher at 30.75%. Mumbai city district saw a turnout of 15.78%, while Mumbai suburban district recorded 17.99%.
The number of candidates in the Maharashtra assembly elections has increased by 28% compared to 2019. This year, 4,136 candidates are contesting, up from 3,239 in the previous election. Among them, 2,086 are independents. Over 150 constituencies are witnessing rebel candidates from both the Mahayuti and MVA alliances contesting against their parties’ official nominees.
As of October 30, the updated number of registered voters stands at 9,70,25,119, including 5,00,22,739 male voters, 4,69,96,279 female voters, and 6,101 transgender voters. The total number of Persons with Disabilities (PwD) voters is 6,41,425, while service voters from the armed forces total 1,16,170. The number of polling booths has also increased, with 1,00,186 set up this year compared to 96,654 in 2019. This rise is attributed to the increase in voter numbers.
Maharashtra Election 2024: How to vote without Voter ID Card
With 9,70,25,119 voters participating in today’s elections, it is essential to recognise the importance of a Voter ID, officially known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), in the electoral process. However, even if voters do not possess a Voter ID card, they can still cast their vote. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has outlined alternative options to ensure voters can exercise their democratic right.
Here’s a step-by-step process for voter registration (Online)
To register as a voter, individuals must first meet the eligibility criteria: they should be Indian citizens aged 18 years or older. For registration, they need to submit documents such as a passport-sized photograph, a birth certificate, and address proof like an Aadhaar card or bank passbook.
The process involves filling out Form 6 online via the Election Commission of India’s website (voters.eci.gov.in), while overseas voters must complete Form 6A. Accurate details, including name, date of birth, and address, along with supporting documents, should be provided. Registered voters can check their enrollment status on the Electoral Search website to confirm their eligibility to vote.
Here’s a step-by-step process for voter registration (Offline)
Offline registration is also available. Individuals can obtain Form 6 from offices of Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, or Booth Level Officers. The completed form, along with required documents, can be submitted either in person to the concerned officer or handed over to the Booth Level Officer.
Maharashtra Election 2024: Other documents which are valid at polling booth
For those without a voter ID card, voting is still possible, provided their name is on the electoral roll. Alternative documents accepted for voting include a PAN card, Aadhaar card, pension documents for retired personnel, service ID cards issued by the government or PSUs (e.g., MGNREGA job card), a health insurance smart card from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, a driving licence, passport, or a passbook issued by a bank or post office with a photograph.