ECI Empowers Seniors, PwD with Postal Voting for Upcoming Elections

Marking a voter-centric milestone, the Election Commission of India has greenlit postal ballots for over-85s, persons with disabilities, service personnel, and election workers in the next state assembly battles. The Wednesday directive promises seamless participation.

Contextualized by the March 15 timetable, expect votes April 9 across Assam, Kerala, Puducherry; April 23 in Tamil Nadu; and phased April 23-29 in West Bengal. Counting on May 4 caps a saga involving 824 constituencies, 174 million voters, and 219,000 booths.

Section 60(C) of the RP Act 1951 enables home voting for qualifying elders and PwDs. Swift Form 12D via BLO reaches ROs in five days. Teams ensure discreet home pickups.

Critical service absentees—fire, health, utilities, transport, aviation, roads—apply departmentally. Duty rosters and press qualify too. Nomination closure triggers ETPBS electronic dispatch, sans postage. Secure center deposits follow.

ROs await ballots till 8 AM May 4. ECI urges officials to loop in parties and hopefuls for max reach. This forward-thinking policy not only aids the vulnerable but elevates India’s democratic fabric, fostering universal suffrage.