No. of voting booths reduced due to COVID-19

Local body elections are likely to be held soon and preparations are already underway by the concerned authorities. Necessary training was provided by the State Election Commission through video conferencing with the corporations and the staff about the voter list and other preparations. It has been decided to reduce the number of booths in the wake of the Covid 19 pandemic.

The State Election Commission held a video conference meeting with the Municipal Corporations regarding the local body elections to be held in the next few months. The meeting also provided a voter list and training to the Election Staff by the Election Commissioner.

Giving more information in this regard, Deputy Municipal Commissioner Sudhir K Patel said that the meeting was held as part of the preparation when local body elections are likely to be held in the coming days. The meeting was to give details about the preparation of the list and then will be made public and to political parties. After their representation, the list will be updated. The voter name comes on the state voter list only if it is on the voter list of the assembly. There has also been a controversy, especially over the issue of booths.

Earlier in the 2015 local government elections, the voting process was conducted through around 1,450 booths. At present, the number of voters and the number of new villages in Vadodara has increased. But this year the number of booths has dropped to 1,250 which sparked controversy. It may be noted here that in the wake of the Covid-19 epidemic, it has been decided to reduce the number of booths.