NewKerala.com

Over 2.3 Lakh Elderly & PwD Voters in 3 Regions Opt for Home Voting

The Election Commission of India has approved home voting for over 2.37 lakh elderly and Persons with Disabilities in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry. The home voting process, which has already begun, is scheduled for completion by April 5, with provisions for a second visit if needed. Contesting candidates are informed of the schedule and can send representatives to accompany polling teams. The facility is provided under the Representation of the People Act, with remaining voters to be assisted at polling stations.

Key Points: 2.37 Lakh Voters Approved for Home Voting in Kerala, Assam, Puducherry

  • 2.37 lakh electors approved
  • Home voting for 85+ & PwD voters
  • Process to be completed by April 5
  • Candidates can depute representatives
  • Facilities assured at polling stations
2 min read

2.3 lakh electors of Kerala, Assam and Puducherry to avail home voting

ECI approves home voting for over 2.37 lakh elderly and PwD electors in Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry, with the facility to be completed by April 5.

"A second visit will also be undertaken if the voter is not available on the first visit - Election Commission"

New Delhi . Marc, h 30

Over 2.37 lakh electors in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry have been approved so far by the Returning Officers for the home-voting facility, the Election Commission of India said on Monday.

The data has been issued till March 30.

Home voting in different constituencies of Kerala, Assam & Puducherry has already commenced and will be completed by 5th April. A second visit will also be undertaken if the voter is not available on the first visit, Election Commission stated in a press release.

Contesting candidates of recognised political parties are provided a list of electors availing the home voting facility. As per procedure, all candidates are informed about the schedule of the visits of the polling teams, and if they wish, they can depute their representative to accompany polling teams after intimation in Form 10 to the Returning Officer, the EC said.

The release added that the remaining 85+ and PwD electors who have not opted for the optional home voting facility will be provided with all necessary facilities at the polling stations, including volunteers, wheelchairs, and other assistance, to ensure a comfortable voting experience

The Election Commission has announced the schedule for the General Election to Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal and bye-elections in 6 states on March 15. Assam, Kerala and Puducherry are going to the polls on April 9.

The Commission, as per Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, provides the optional facility of home voting for Elderly Voters above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) flagged in Electoral Rolls who may cast their vote through postal ballot. Such electors have to apply to their concerned Returning Officer within 5 days from the date of notification

Notification has been issued for West Bengal Phase-I and Tamil Nadu on March 30. Notification for West Bengal Phase-II will be issued on April 2, the poll body said.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good step for inclusivity. However, I hope the process is completely transparent and the representatives from political parties accompanying the teams do not influence voters in any way. The EC must ensure the secrecy of the ballot is maintained at home too.
R
Rohit P
Over 2.37 lakh people approved already? That's a huge number. Shows how important this facility was. Our democracy should be accessible to all, young and old. Kudos to the election commission for this practical solution.
A
Anjali F
The provision for a second visit if the voter is not home is very thoughtful. Many elderly people might have doctor's appointments or other needs. This shows the EC is really thinking about citizen convenience. Hope they implement this nationwide.
D
David E
Interesting to see the scale of Indian elections. Providing home voting for such a large demographic is a massive logistical task. The fact that candidates get the list and can send observers is a good check and balance. Well-structured process.
K
Karthik V
A small suggestion: awareness about this facility needs to be higher. My neighbour's father is 87 and we only found out through a local party worker. The EC should run more ads on TV and radio, especially in regional languages, so everyone knows.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50