In the upcoming Lok Sabha Election 2024 and Assembly elections starting from April 19, 2024, the Election Commission is introducing a home voting option, where election officials will visit the residences of voters to collect their votes. Here’s everything you need to know about home voting.
Preparations are currently underway for India’s forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, which the Election Commission has described as a “celebration of democracy.” The election will be conducted in seven phases, beginning on April 19, with votes counted on June 4.
In a significant decision, the Election Commission has extended the “vote-from-home” option to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens aged 85 and above for the first time in the history of Lok Sabha elections. This move aims to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in the voting process. Consequently, more than 85 lakh senior citizens and 88.4 lakh persons with disabilities will have the opportunity to cast their votes via postal ballots.
What Is Home Voting?
Home voting, wherein Election Commission officials visit voters’ homes to collect their votes, has been utilized in India previously with considerable success. This method will now be available during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and the Assembly elections scheduled for this year.
Who Is Eligible For Home Voting?
The option of “home voting” is available to individuals classified as “absentee voters” as per clause (aa) of Rule 27A of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. The following categories of people are eligible to apply for home voting:
- Individuals aged 80 years and above
- Employees working in essential services
- Persons with disabilities
How To Apply for Home Voting?
Voters who wish to vote from home must apply to the returning officer of their respective constituency using Form 12-D. This application must be submitted within five days of the election notification.
Booth-level officers will visit the homes of “absentee voters” and provide them with Form 12-D. If these voters choose to vote by ballot, the Booth-level officer will collect the completed Form 12-D and submit it to the returning officer.
How Is Home Voting Done?
Once a voter’s application for home voting is approved, a polling team consisting of two Election Commission officials visits the voter’s home. They assist the voter in casting their vote on a postal ballot. To ensure transparency, the list of all voters opting for home voting is shared with the candidates competing in that constituency. Once voting is completed, the ballots are securely stored with the returning officer, and the counting of these votes is conducted alongside the other votes.
