Pune: Over 2,200 Senior Citizens, PwD Voters Opt For Home Voting Facility

In a convenient move for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD), 2,245 electors in Pune district have been allowed to vote from home or use postal ballots for the upcoming state assembly polls. This decision aims to ensure inclusive and accessible voting for all.

The district received 2,326 applications from 21 assembly constituencies, with 2,245 approved after verification. Of these, 1,925 applicants are above 85 years old, while 320 belong to the PwD category. Pune district has approximately 12.17 lakh voters aged 85 and above and 88,937 PwD voters.

The postal ballots or home voting will take place on November 19, a day before the state assembly polls on November 20. A dedicated team will collect votes from voters’ residences, ensuring transparency and accountability. Ballot paper printing will commence after the last date of nomination on November 4, and vote collection will begin after November 10.

To opt for home voting, eligible voters must fill Form 12D and submit it to the returning officer through booth level officers within five days of election notification. PwD voters must also provide a baseline disability certificate. Candidates receive a list of electors opting for home voting and can choose a representative to supervise the process.

For added transparency, voters receive SMS notifications about the home voting facility’s active days, and the entire process is videographed. Senior citizens have welcomed the facility, suggesting camps be held at old age homes for easier access. With over 12.40 lakh elderly voters and 6.41 lakh PwD voters in the state, this initiative promotes accessible voting.

The Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced home voting for senior citizens in the recent Lok Sabha elections. This initiative has now been extended to the state assembly polls, ensuring that vulnerable groups can exercise their right to vote comfortably and safely.

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