Postal Ballot Facility from Home for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities
- Context: As per the regulations of the Election Commission of India, individuals aged 85 and above, as well as persons with disabilities, are permitted to cast their votes via postal ballot from the comfort of their homes, Form 12D has been issued for this purpose.
- Those unable to contact polling station officials directly may convey their information by calling the helpline number 1913.
Current Facts
- SUVIDHA app, a one-stop solution for seeking, tracking and downloading all campaign related permissions as well as ECI updates like Press Notes and latest instructions/orders at the tip of their fingers. The platform which works on First in First Out principle ensures transparent permissions, thereby removing any discretion.
- India’s ambitious energy transition goals — to have 300 GW of installed solar capacity by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070
About Postal Ballots- Under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the facility of postal voting is extended to voters who are unable to appear in person.
- Eligible voters must submit an application to the Returning Officer (RO) within the specified timeframe.
Eligible Categories as per the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961
- Special Voters: Dignitaries such as the President, Governors, and Ministers.
- Service Voters: Personnel belonging to the Armed Forces, Paramilitary Forces, and government employees posted abroad.
- Election Duty Personnel: Officials, police personnel, and media representatives.
- Absentee Voters: Individuals aged 85 and above, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), and essential service personnel.
Absentee Voters – Section 60(c), RPA, 1951
- In 2019, the Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a new category designated as “Absentee Voters.”
- This category comprises the following individuals:
- Senior citizens aged 85 years or above.
- Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a disability level of 40% or higher.
- Individuals infected with COVID-19 or those exhibiting symptoms of the infection.
- Persons engaged in essential services. This includes the following categories of personnel: Railways, Telecommunications, Electricity, Health (Medical Services), Transport, Aviation, and the Fire Department.
- Journalists authorized by the Election Commission who are engaged in news gathering on election day.
