Vote from Home: The Election Commission is putting in all the efforts to ensure the smooth execution during the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. From setting up booths to going the extra mile for those who cannot go to the polling centres to vote, the preparations are in full swing. The elections will be held in seven phases from April 19 and the results will be announced on June 4.
In line with the same, the EC has introduced 'vote-from-home' for the senior citizens aged 80 years and above and the Persons with Disabilities (PwD). This is the first time when such an initiative has been taken.
What Is Home Voting?
In order to facilitate the senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities with voting, the Election Commission officers visited their homes and called the votes. While the initiative has been used previously during some recent polls, it will be for the first time that it will benefit the Lok Sabha poll voters.
Home Voting: Who Is Eligible?
The facility is available to the voters who are identified as 'absent voters' according to clause (aa) of Rule 27A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. The following people can access the facility:
- Senior citizens aged 80 years and above
- Person with disabilities
- People working in important fields
Home Voting: How To Apply?
Voters who want to avail of the service need to apply to their constituency's returning officer by Form 12-D. After the election notification, the application must be submitted within five days.
The 'absentee voters' will be provided with Form 12-D when the booth-level officials visit their homes. The Booth-level officer will gather the completed Form 12-D and submit it to the returning officer if these voters decide to cast ballots.