New Delhi, March 19: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a special postal ballot facility for senior citizens over 85 years old, disabled voters, service voters, and those on election duty for the upcoming assembly elections. This decision was made public in a press release on Wednesday.
On March 15, the ECI had already announced the schedule for the assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will occur in a single phase on April 9, while Tamil Nadu will vote on April 23, and West Bengal will have voting in two phases on April 23 and 29. The results for all elections will be declared on May 4. Approximately 17.4 crore voters will participate across 824 assembly constituencies, with 2.19 lakh polling stations set up.
Under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the Commission has notified that senior citizens over 85 years and identified disabled voters can cast their votes through postal ballots from home. These voters can submit their applications to the returning officer (RO) through their booth-level officer (BLO) by filling out Form 12D within five days of the election notification. The BLO or polling team will collect the votes at home, ensuring complete confidentiality.
This facility is also available for service voters, including those in essential services such as firefighting, health, electricity, traffic, ambulance, aviation, and government road transport. These voters can apply through their department’s designated nodal officer. Voters on election duty and authorized media personnel also fall under the absentee voter category and can benefit from the postal ballot.
After the final list of candidates is confirmed, service voters will receive their electronic ballots via the electronically transmitted postal ballot system (ETPBS), eliminating the need for postage. Voters will submit their votes at a designated facility, where confidentiality will be maintained.
All postal ballots must reach the respective RO by 8 AM on May 4, 2026. The Commission has instructed ROs and district election officers (DEOs) to inform political parties and candidates about these provisions to ensure maximum eligible voters can take advantage of this facility.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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