Pune: The state chief electoral office has identified and put under special focus more than 10,000 polling booths that witnessed poor turnout in previous elections to boost voter participation in the Nov 20 assembly poll. These booths, part of the total 1 lakh such booths across the state, are now under special focus for comprehensive voter slip distribution in the first phase. "We are aiming for 100% voter slip distribution across the state," additional CEO P Pradeep told TOI on Saturday.
The drive particularly targets urban centres like Mumbai, Pune and Thane, where the process of voter slip distribution has commenced. These centres have historically seen lower participation rates. "To tackle logistical challenges, election officials have set up 241 auxiliary polling stations, supplementing the existing 1 lakh booths.
We have reduced the voter load at stations that previously handled over 1,500 electors, ensuring smoother operations and easier access," a senior election official said. With 9.7 crore registered voters in the state, poll officials have been directed to leverage various communication channels, particularly in the urban areas, to motivate citizens to exercise their franchise.
The focus remains on the 15 assembly constituencies that recorded below-par turnout in 2019, with special emphasis on urban pockets of Mumbai, Pune and Thane. In Friday's review meeting, CEC Rajiv Kumar pulled up officials over the stark urban-rural voter divide. Drawing a striking compari.
