Why Voters in Maharashtra Will Cast Multiple Votes in Civic Polls — Mumbai Remains the Only Exception

Mumbai | Undercover Editor News Channel, January 13, 2026

Mumbai:

As Maharashtra gears up for municipal corporation elections on January 15, voters across 28 cities will experience a significantly different voting process this time — except in Mumbai.

Cities including Thane, Navi Mumbai, Pune, Nashik and Kalyan-Dombivli are conducting polls under a three- or four-member ward system, a shift from the traditional one-ward-one-corporator format. Under this system, a single ward elects multiple corporators, requiring voters to cast three or four votes during a single visit to the polling booth.

What Has Changed?

Unlike earlier elections where voters pressed the EVM button once, electors in multi-member wards must now vote separately for each corporator seat. The Election Commission has clarified that all votes are mandatory — voters must cast all three or four votes to complete the process.

How Will Voting Work?

After voter verification and indelible ink marking, electors will enter the polling booth where multiple ballot units are attached to the EVM due to the large number of candidates. Once activated, voters will be prompted to cast votes one after another. Each vote is confirmed through a beep sound and a VVPAT slip.

Voters may choose candidates from the same party, different parties, independents, or select NOTA for any seat if they do not wish to support a candidate.

Why Introduce the Multi-Member Ward System?

Election officials say the new system aims to ensure broader representation in densely populated urban areas while reducing the number of wards. However, critics argue that it may favour larger political parties and could cause confusion among voters unfamiliar with the format.

Why Is Mumbai Different?

Mumbai remains the only municipal corporation in Maharashtra continuing with the single-member ward system. Here, each ward elects one corporator, and voters cast only one vote, just like previous elections.

Counting of Votes

Votes will be counted on January 16, a day after polling.