This time the Election Commission has taken a big step towards making the voting process more inclusive. More than 2.37 lakh voters in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry have been approved for ‘home voting’ facility. This means that now thousands of elderly and disabled voters will be able to cast their vote sitting at home.
According to the Election Commission, this figure has come till March 30 and the process of home voting has already started in many constituencies. The Commission said that this process will be completed by April 5. If a voter cannot be contacted the first time, the team will reach his home the second time also, so that no voter is deprived of his rights.
How does home voting work?
Home voting facility is especially for voters above 85 years of age and people with disability (PwD) category. This facility is provided under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act 1951, through which such voters can vote from home through postal ballot. For this, the concerned voter has to apply to his returning officer within five days of the issuance of the notification.
Emphasis on transparency also
The Election Commission has also set clear guidelines to maintain transparency in this entire process. Candidates of recognized political parties are given a list of voters who have opted for home voting. Besides, the complete schedule of the polling team’s visit is also informed to the candidates in advance. If they wish, they can send their representative with the team.
Preparation for remaining voters also
The Commission has also made it clear that special arrangements will be made at polling centers for those 85+ or disabled voters who do not opt ​​for home voting. These include wheelchairs, volunteers and other necessary facilities, so that they do not face any problem in voting.
Election schedule and important dates
The Election Commission has already announced voting in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry on April 9. Apart from this, election program has also been released in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. Notification for the first phase of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal has been issued on March 30, while notification for the second phase of Bengal will be issued on April 2.
Why is this step important?
Home voting facility is being seen as an effort of the Election Commission to make the voting process more inclusive and easier. In a big democracy like India, where there are crores of voters, ensuring the participation of the elderly and the disabled has always been a challenge. In such a situation, this initiative not only increases convenience but also further strengthens democracy.
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