Voter list issues, booth changes blamed for low turnout in Faridabad civic polls

Faridabad’s recently concluded civic body elections witnessed a notably low voter turnout, with several candidates and residents alleging irregularities that prevented many from casting their votes. Some have even demanded a probe into these discrepancies before the counting process begins.

Congress candidate from Ward 40, Rattan Lal Rana, highlighted multiple concerns, including irregularities in ward delimitation, non-delivery of voting slips, last-minute changes in voter serial lists, booths and wards, and the deprivation of election duty staff from voting. “Irregularities in ward delimitation, non-delivery of voting slips, changes in voter serial lists, booths and wards at the eleventh hour, and depriving many employees engaged in election duty of their right to vote were the loopholes that prevented many from exercising their franchise,” said Rana. In his complaint to the State Election Commission and district authorities, he submitted copies of voter lists and serial numbers to support his claims, alleging that abrupt changes had left several voters disenfranchised. “Not providing ballot papers to over 50 election-duty employees in each ward led to a massive drop in polling percentage,” he added, demanding that vote counting be halted until an investigation is conducted.

Meenkashi Maan, an independent candidate from Ward 38, also raised concerns, stating that many of her acquaintances found their family members’ votes divided across different booths or wards despite sharing the same residential address.

Several residents echoed similar grievances. Subhash Lamba from Sector 3 said, “The glaring loopholes have demeaned the election process, depriving thousands of their right to vote.” Tarun, a resident, took to social media to share his ordeal, revealing that his family’s four votes were split across two distant booths, causing confusion. Jayshree Gaur from Sector 85 could not vote as her name was missing from the list at her designated booth.

Ranmik Chahal, representing the RWA Federation of Greater Faridabad, attributed the low voter turnout not only to irregularities in voter lists and booth changes but also to public disillusionment with civic authorities’ failure to address their grievances. Social activist Vishnu Goel also blamed the non-delivery of voting slips.

However, Satbir Maan, Returning Officer for the civic polls, refuted these claims. “There is no concept of delivery of voting slips by Booth Level Officers (BLO) in such elections,” he clarified.