Women candidates in Maharashtra’s local elections can now display both maiden and married names on EVMs. This inclusive move supports their dual identities and boosts participation in the democratic process.
Mumbai | 28 July, 2025: In a heartfelt step toward inclusivity, Maharashtra’s State Election Commission (SEC) has introduced a new policy allowing women candidates to showcase both their maiden and married names on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for upcoming local body elections. This decision acknowledges the personal and cultural significance of a woman’s identity before and after marriage, ensuring they can connect with voters under names they are known by in their communities. It’s a small but meaningful change that reflects the realities of many women’s lives in Maharashtra.
To make this possible, the SEC has set a clear process. Women candidates can request the inclusion of both names by submitting a formal application to the returning officer before the nomination withdrawal deadline. The name on the nomination form must align with the official voters’ list, and candidates need to provide supporting documents, such as a marriage certificate or a government gazette notification of their name change. If a gazette notification isn’t available, one of 17 alternative identity documents, as outlined in a 2011 SEC order, can be used. This flexibility ensures the process is accessible while maintaining electoral integrity.
The policy is particularly significant in Maharashtra, where 50% of seats in local self-government bodies—like municipal corporations, councils, nagar panchayats, zilla parishads, and panchayat samitis—are reserved for women. This translates to over 1,370 seats in municipal corporations and 3,885 in smaller civic bodies, offering women a substantial platform to shape their communities. By allowing dual names on EVMs, the SEC ensures candidates can leverage their full identities, making it easier for voters to recognize them, especially in regions where name changes after marriage are common.
This reform goes beyond logistics; it’s about empowerment and respect. For many women, their maiden name carries personal history and community ties, while their married name reflects their current identity. Allowing both on the EVM honors this duality, fostering a sense of belonging in the political arena. The move also aligns with Maharashtra’s broader commitment to gender equality in governance, encouraging more women to step into leadership roles without sacrificing any part of their identity.
As local elections approach, this policy is a beacon of progress, making the electoral process more sensitive to social nuances. It’s a reminder that small changes can have a
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