117 Polling Booths To Be Set Up In Pune Housing Societies To Boost Voter Turnout
Pune: In a move to combat urban voter apathy, the state election commission has approved the installation of 117 polling booths in 55 co-operative housing societies across Pune district for the upcoming assembly elections. This initiative is aimed at increasing voter turnout, particularly in urban areas, where many residents struggle to find time to vote due to their busy schedules.
Officials from the state election office confirmed on Monday that this decision is part of a broader strategy to improve voting percentages across the city’s assembly segments, with the Hadapsar constituency receiving the most focus, boasting 33 of the new polling booths.
Traditionally, voting stations have been set up in schools, gram panchayats, and other government offices. However, during the last Lok Sabha elections, polling inside residential societies was piloted in 36 large housing complexes, and it saw a positive response. Encouraged by this, the election commission is expanding the initiative.
Pune election officer Minal Kalaskar noted, “Polling booths within residential societies have garnered positive feedback, and we are following ECI guidelines to ensure this facility is extended further.”
The ECI also reported that society-based polling stations saw a higher turnout during the Lok Sabha elections compared to the overall city average, highlighting the success of this strategy. Cooperative housing societies with more than 800 voters can apply for a dedicated booth, provided they have adequate space and basic amenities.