State Election Commission Orders Measures to Address Possible Duplicate Names in Voter Lists

Mumbai, Oct 2025 :To ensure transparency and accuracy in elections to local self-government bodies in the state, the State Election Commission today directed all concerned authorities to scrutinize possible duplicate names in the voter lists and take necessary action as per the issued guidelines.

According to the provisions of the Acts applicable to local body elections, the voter list of Assembly constituencies prepared by the Election Commission of India is used as-is for all elections to local self-government institutions. This list is only divided ward-wise for municipal corporations, municipal councils, and nagar panchayats, and constituency-wise for Zilla Parishad and Panchayat Samiti elections. While dividing these lists, the names and addresses of voters remain the same as in the original Assembly constituency list.

In the draft or final voter lists of local bodies, any potentially duplicate voter name is marked with the symbol ()**. A local verification is then conducted to determine whether the entries refer to the same individual or different persons. After an initial check of the name, gender, address, and photograph, if similarities are found, the voter is required to submit a prescribed application form stating the exact polling station — within the relevant ward, Zilla Parishad constituency, or Panchayat Samiti area — where they intend to cast their vote. Such a voter will not be allowed to vote at any other polling station.

If no response is received from a voter whose name appears as a possible duplicate, and such a voter appears at a polling station to vote, they must provide a written declaration (affidavit) in the prescribed format confirming that they have not voted at any other polling station where their name appears. Only after strict verification of the voter’s identity will the individual be allowed to cast their vote.