- Election Commission of India enables home voting for 85+ and PwDs
- Over 2.37 lakh electors approved across Kerala, Assam, Puducherry
- Voting teams to visit homes with video monitoring
- Process to be completed before April 5
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 30th March: The Election Commission of India on Monday said over 2.37 lakh voters will avail the home voting facility in the ongoing Assembly elections and bypolls across multiple states.
The facility, available under the Representation of the People Act, allows elderly voters above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast their vote from home through postal ballots.
According to the Commission, the highest number of home voting approvals has been recorded in Kerala, followed by Assam and Puducherry.
In Kerala, over 1.45 lakh senior citizens and more than 62,000 PwD voters have opted for the facility. Assam has recorded over 19,000 elderly voters and 6,600 PwDs, while Puducherry has over 2,000 elderly and 1,600 PwD voters availing the option.
Home voting has already begun in these regions and will continue until April 5, ahead of polling scheduled on April 9.
Polling teams, accompanied by security personnel and videographers, are visiting voters’ residences to ensure transparency while maintaining the secrecy of the ballot. A second visit will be made if voters are unavailable during the first round.
The Commission said candidates are informed in advance about the schedule, and their representatives may accompany polling teams after due intimation.
For those who have not opted for home voting, the ECI has assured comprehensive assistance at polling stations, including wheelchairs, volunteers and other facilities.
The initiative is aimed at ensuring inclusive and accessible elections, enabling greater participation of elderly and differently-abled citizens.
