Maharashtra Municipal Elections: Challenges and Enthusiasm

“I actually went out to vote, and I checked online. There was a booth at the bottom of my house where people were sitting to help me, to tell me about the booth or the place. They told me that I had to come to this location. I took a screenshot online, but when I came here, they are now sending me to some other location because they are saying that your location is showing somewhere else online.”

“Earlier, when I checked online today, they told me to go to Dalmia College. So now I don't know why this confusion is there. When I reached here after checking my name online, they told me that I have to go to some other location.”

“We had a panel system of voting. Already there was no adequate level of awareness about it. But despite watching explanatory videos, eventually there was confusion while voting”

“Forget about academics, even there were no administrative and other day-to-day facilities such as separate windows for discounted railway-pass for students etc. All tall promises are about big-ticket infrastructure projects which are not always directly beneficial for us students”

“I was not able to see and verify that the vote I had cast reflected in the ballot box. While the EVMs worked well, I am not perfectly confident without a VVPAT slip.”

“The ink being put on people’s fingers is not standard indelible ink; it’s a simple permanent marker which can be easily removed. These are structural issues. This is the least one can expect as a voter in a functional democracy.”

“I could not vote for Vidhan Sabha elections but I ensured that I cast vote this time since the city is voting for BMC after nearly nine years. Besides city’s development, I want my corporator to raise voice against environmental issues, air pollution and flooding menace to make the city liveable for years to come. But I was disappointed to know there were no VVPAT machines and I couldn’t see whether my vote was cast for appropriate candidate”

“We have decided to cast our votes on the basis of the promises laid out by the candidates”

“Apart from the initial hassle though, I was excited to vote for four candidates in one go. I had some confusion on how to go about it but the polling officer was helpful. All in all, it was a good experience”

“Being densely populated, there are many issues in Dharavi particularly around cleanliness and redevelopment. I was very excited to vote, but I couldn’t find my name on the physical list at my designated polling booth”

“I am very happy. I hope the candidate I voted for works for the people.”

“When I reached, they practically told me to vote for a particular person.”