In a commendable move towards inclusive democracy, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has expanded the scope of postal voting, allowing eligible individuals to cast their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024 and state Assembly polls. This article explores the eligibility criteria for postal voting and the process involved, highlighting the ECI’s efforts to facilitate electoral participation for all citizens.
Expanding Access through Postal Ballots: Postal voting, also known as mail-in ballots, serves as a convenient alternative for registered voters who are unable to visit a polling station in person on election day. The recent decision by the ECI to extend this privilege to media persons covering polling day activities underscores its commitment to promoting inclusivity in the electoral process.
Who Qualifies for Postal Voting: The eligibility criteria for postal voting encompass a diverse range of individuals facing circumstances that prevent them from casting their votes in person. These include:
- Service Voters: Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and government employees deployed away from their home constituencies on election duty qualify for postal ballots.
- Absentee Voters: Individuals unable to vote in person due to work commitments, illness, or disability are eligible for postal voting.
- Electors on Election Duty: Those assigned election duties and individuals under preventive detention during the election period can exercise their franchise through postal ballots.
- Media Persons and Essential Service Providers: Media persons with authorization from the EC and individuals engaged in essential services like metros, railways, and healthcare can also opt for postal ballots in select elections.
The Postal Voting Process: The process to apply for a postal ballot involves submitting Form 12 D to the returning officer (RO) of the respective constituency, providing necessary details and reasons for seeking a postal ballot. The RO verifies eligibility and issues the postal ballot accordingly.
For service voters, the postal ballot paper is dispatched through designated channels, ensuring timely delivery. Senior citizens receive assistance from polling officials who visit their residences to facilitate the voting process, further enhancing accessibility.
