Mumbai, January 5: As Maharashtra prepares for its upcoming municipal corporation elections on January 15, 2026, voters in 29 major cities are readying to participate in a "panel system" of voting. This multi-member ward system, which differs from the single-member constituencies used in state and general elections, requires voters to select multiple candidates on a single Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

Understanding the panel structure is essential for ensuring your vote is valid and correctly recorded. All About the Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Elections 2026.

Understanding the Multi-Member Panel System

In most Maharashtra municipal corporations, with the notable exception of Mumbai (BMC), which typically follows a single-member system, wards are grouped into "panels." Each panel generally elects three to four corporators.

Instead of voting for just one representative, a single voter has the right to cast votes for as many candidates as there are seats available in that specific panel. For example, if your ward is part of a 3-member panel, you are entitled to cast three separate votes.

How To Vote in Panel System: The Step-by-Step Voting Process

When you enter the polling booth, the process follows these standard stages:

  • Verification: Officials will check your name on the electoral roll and verify your identity using an EPIC (Voter ID) card or other government-approved identification.

  • The Ink and Register: Your finger will be marked with indelible ink, and you will sign the register of voters.

  • The EVM Layout: On the balloting unit (EVM), candidates are grouped by the seat they are contesting (e.g., Seat A, Seat B, Seat C). Each group will have its own list of candidates and symbols.

  • Casting Your Votes: You must press the blue button next to your preferred candidate for each available seat.

Important Note: You cannot cast all your votes for a single candidate. You must choose one candidate from each category (A, B, C, etc.) to utilize your full voting power.

How Many Votes Do You Need To Cast?

The number of votes you may cast depends entirely on the specific configuration of your ward’s panel. Under the current system, most wards are organized into three-member or four-member panels. While you have the right to cast one vote for each available seat in your panel (e.g., four votes in a four-member ward), it is not a legal requirement to use all of them. You can choose to vote for only one, two, or three candidates if you prefer. 2026 Maharashtra Municipal Corporation Election Results: Unopposed vs NOTA Rule.

Can You Vote for Fewer Candidates?

While the system is designed for you to elect a full panel of representatives, you are not legally forced to vote for all seats. If you choose to vote for only one or two candidates in a three-member panel, the EVM will still record those specific choices.

Can You Split Your Vote?

Yes, the panel system allows for complete flexibility in how you distribute your votes; you are not required to vote for a single party’s entire slate of candidates. This is known as "splitting the vote," where a voter might choose a candidate from Party A for the first seat, Party B for the second, and perhaps an Independent candidate for the third. Each seat in the panel (labeled as Seat A, B, C, etc., on the EVM) is treated as a separate contest. As long as you only cast one vote per seat category, you can mix and match candidates from different political affiliations based on your personal preference.

How To Vote?

No VVPAT Use in Maharashtra Municipal Elections 2026

The State Election Commission (SEC) has confirmed that VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machines will not be used in these municipal polls. The SEC cited technical challenges in integrating VVPATs with the multi-member panel system, meaning voters will rely on the traditional EVM beep and light confirmation to verify their vote has been cast.

Why the Panel System Matters

The panel system was reintroduced to encourage voters to think about the development of a larger area rather than just a small lane or colony. By electing a team of corporators, the government aims to ensure better coordination on infrastructure and civic amenities across broader "prabhags" (wards).

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 01:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).