The upcoming municipal elections will be very different for ordinary voters because of a major change in the voting process.
Earlier, voters used only one EVM to cast their vote. Now, voters will have to use four separate EVM machines.
This new system has been introduced in 28 municipal corporations in Maharashtra, except Mumbai, where elections will continue under the multi-member ward system.
What Is the Multi-Member Ward System?
Under the new rules, four councillors will be elected from each ward instead of one. Because of this, every voter must cast four separate votes—one for each seat.
At polling stations, you may see two or four EVM machines at the same time, depending on how many seats are available in your ward.
Different-Coloured EVMs for Easy Voting
To avoid confusion, each EVM is assigned a different colour for each seat:
White for Seat A
Light Pink for Seat B
Light Yellow for Seat C
Light Blue for Seat D
Voters must press the button on each EVM machine. You can vote for candidates from different political parties or choose NOTA on one or more machines.
Voting on All Four Machines Is Mandatory
It is very important to vote on all four EVMs. If you skip even one machine, your vote will be considered incomplete, and it will not be fully counted.
Beep Sound Confirms Vote Completion
There is one technical detail voters should remember. When you press the button on the first, second, and third EVMs, only a red light will blink, and no sound will be heard.
However, when you cast your vote on the fourth and final EVM, a beep sound will be heard. This beep confirms that your voting process is complete.
Voters are advised not to rush and to carefully vote on each EVM so that their democratic right is fully recorded.
