Pune: 290 applications received from senior citizens for home voting in Baramati Lok Sabha Constituency
Lok Sabha Election: Monitoring Election Spending in Pune, Maval and Shirur Constituencies
In a landmark move, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the option of ‘home voting’ for elderly citizens above 85 years and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Lok Sabha (LS) elections. This initiative aims to ensure inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
Out of a total of 37,093 eligible voters in the Baramati parliamentary constituency, only 290 applications for home voting have been received from senior citizens above 85 years. District Collector Suhas Diwase highlighted the ongoing data tabulation process for applications in other constituencies.
The ECI emphasizes its commitment to leveraging technology for a transparent and seamless voting experience. The introduction of home voting reflects this dedication to inclusivity and participation in the democratic process.
To avail of home voting, eligible voters must complete Form 12D within five days of the election notification and submit it to the returning officer. PWDs must include a baseline disability certificate. Booth-level officers (BLOs) facilitate the retrieval of forms, ensuring accountability and transparency.
A dedicated team of polling officials, accompanied by security personnel, visits the voter’s residence to collect their votes. Voters are informed in advance about the visit, and SMS notifications further enhance accessibility. The entire process is videographed to maintain transparency.
The introduction of home voting is a significant step towards ensuring that no voter is left behind due to physical barriers or disabilities, aligning with the ECI’s motto of inclusive elections.
