Pune Residents Vigilant About Ward and Polling Booth Details

Pune: As the election approaches, voters across the city are diligently verifying their ward and polling booth details, especially in recently merged areas like Sus, Wagholi, Lohegaon, Undri, and Pisoli. These areas have seen changes in ward boundaries and booth locations following delimitation. Citizens are using online voter search links and helplines to ensure their names appear on the electoral rolls. Election officials have also urged voters to do the same before heading to the polling booths.

Wagholi resident Ramesh Khandve shared, 'We knew exactly where our booth was in the past. Our area expanded, and wards were redrawn. Therefore, I checked the voter search link twice and also confirmed with our society office, so that there are no doubts on the polling day.' This cautious approach is widespread, as residents understand the importance of accurate information.

There are subtle changes in the western parts of the city too. In Kothrud, residents of neighboring buildings and, in some cases, even the same housing society have found their names listed under different ward offices. This has prompted discussions within the housing societies. Shubhangi Kulkarni, a long-time resident of Kothrud, said, 'I found my name listed under the Kothrud ward office jurisdiction, but my neighbor's name is in another ward office. It is not a problem as long as we know where to head. It does indicate, however, that people need to cross-check their names for exact details.'

Voters from Lohegaon and Vimannagar in eastern Pune noted that social media groups and housing society notices have played a key role in spreading awareness about polling booths. Volunteers and first-time voters are sharing official links and screenshots to help residents verify their details in advance. Lohegaon resident Akash More commented, 'We are cautious rather than confused. Nobody wants to reach the booth and realize their name is listed elsewhere. It is better to confirm now than lose time on polling day.'

Similarly, in the suburbs of Undri and Pisoli, residents said the development of new housing societies has made booth mapping complex. Many voters have found that their designated polling booth is different from previous elections, even though their address remains the same. Farzana Shaikh, a Pisoli resident, said, 'Our building is new. We were not sure which booth would be assigned to us. I checked online and also called the helpline. Now I know where to go and have informed others in my building.'

Election officials view this keen verification positively, seeing it as a sign of voter awareness rather than chaos. An official stated, 'Voters had insisted on accurate electoral rolls and that ward-wise information be widely published through online platforms and local notices.' This proactive approach by the residents of Pune is expected to ensure a smoother and more organized voting process.