The stage is set for the upcoming civic polls in Nashik, with the municipal administration finalising the logistical blueprint for a smooth electoral process. The Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) has officially designated 1,563 polling booths for the corporation elections scheduled for January 15. This marks a significant increase from previous arrangements, tailored to accommodate a substantially enlarged electorate.
Surge in Voter Numbers and Booth Allocation
A key driver behind the expansion in polling infrastructure is the remarkable growth in the city's voter base. According to the latest electoral rolls, Nashik's electorate has swelled to approximately 13,60,000 voters as of July 1, 2025. This represents a sharp increase of nearly 287,000 voters from the 10,73,000 registered during the 2017 civic polls. Officials attribute this surge to multiple factors, including natural population growth, the development of new residential complexes within municipal limits, and sustained voter awareness campaigns that have encouraged eligible residents to enroll.
To manage this larger electorate efficiently, the number of polling stations has been raised by 11% from the 1,407 booths used in 2017. The civic body has planned for an average of 850 to 900 voters per booth. The distribution across wards varies, with Ward No. 25 having the highest count of 66 booths, while Ward No. 19 has the minimum, with 38 polling stations.
Election Structure and Ward System Details
The upcoming elections will be conducted under the four-member ward system, a structure that continues from the 2017 electoral framework. Nashik city is divided into 31 municipal wards. Out of these, 29 wards will elect four corporators each. The remaining two wards—Ward 15 and Ward 19—will elect three members each. This arrangement will bring the total strength of the municipal house to 122 corporators.
The increase in polling booths is also a functional requirement of this system, where each voter casts multiple votes. The polls, which faced delays due to administrative and legal challenges, are now being held on January 15 following a directive from the Supreme Court.
Preparations and Staff Training Initiatives
In preparation for the election day, the NMC has undertaken comprehensive training programs for its election staff. Training sessions were conducted at multiple venues across the city, including the NMC auditorium at Hirawadi, the Dadasaheb Gaikwad Auditorium, and the Kavi Kalidas Kala Mandir.
These sessions focused on crucial operational aspects. Staff received hands-on instruction on the proper handling of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and were briefed in detail about their specific duties and responsibilities on poll day. Returning officers conducted practical demonstrations to ensure the polling process is conducted seamlessly and without technical hiccups.
With the booth finalisation and training in place, the Nashik Municipal Corporation is moving steadily towards what promises to be a closely watched democratic exercise, shaped by a significantly larger and more engaged voter population.
