Pioneering Initiative Enables 85-Year-Olds to Cast Votes Comfortably, Enhancing Electoral Accessibility
In a groundbreaking step towards fostering democratic inclusivity, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled a novel provision allowing voters aged above 85 years in Maharashtra to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes.
This progressive initiative, spanning across Maharashtra’s electorate of approximately 13 lakh elderly citizens, offers a convenient alternative to visiting polling booths, particularly for individuals facing mobility challenges. District election authorities have been directed to identify eligible voters and deploy booth-level officers (BLOs) to facilitate the process, distributing Form 12 D in advance of the polling date.
Opting for home voting precludes the possibility of casting ballots at traditional polling booths. Notably, Pune district leads the initiative with 1.24 lakh eligible voters aged above 85, followed by Mumbai suburban with 98,085, signifying the broad impact of the initiative on enhancing electoral inclusivity.
A dedicated team comprising BLOs and officials will oversee the distribution and collection of ballots from the homes of eligible voters, ensuring a seamless and convenient voting experience. This initiative has garnered praise from citizens, including an 87-year-old who participated in bypolls using this method, emphasizing the government’s commitment to amplifying every citizen’s voice, irrespective of physical limitations.
While many elderly citizens prefer traditional in-person voting, this innovative provision offers a valuable alternative, reaffirming the core principles of universal suffrage and inclusivity in the electoral process.
