Context:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that elderly voters (aged 85 and above), persons with disabilities (PwDs), and service electors will be allowed to vote through postal ballots in the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections.
Key Highlights / Details:
- Voter Inclusion Initiative:
- The move aims to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.
- Eligible voters can apply for a postal ballot using Form 12D, enabling them to cast their vote from home without visiting polling stations.
- Once approved, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) and designated election staff will visit their residence with postal ballots and ballot boxes to collect votes securely.
- Implementation Mechanism:
- The ECI has directed the State Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Bihar to coordinate with local election officials for timely distribution and collection of postal ballots.
- Eligible voters must submit Form 12D within five days of the election notification.
- Special arrangements are being made to ensure secrecy, security, and integrity of the postal voting process.
- Postal ballots will also be extended to service voters (armed forces, central police forces, and government officials on duty).
- Background and Legal Basis:
- The provision for postal ballots is under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
- The ECI had first introduced home voting for senior citizens and PwDs on a pilot basis during the 2019 Jharkhand and Haryana Assembly elections.
- Encouraged by its success, the facility has been gradually extended to other states.
- Significance:
- Enhances voter accessibility and participation, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Promotes inclusive electoral democracy, aligning with Article 326 (Universal Adult Franchise) and SDG 16 (inclusive institutions).
- Reduces logistical and health-related barriers for elderly and differently-abled citizens.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Form 12D: Application form for postal ballot for voters aged 85+, PwDs, and essential service staff.
- Service Voters: Includes members of the armed forces, paramilitary, and government employees serving abroad.
- Representation of the People Act, 1951: Governs conduct of elections, qualifications, and disqualifications for membership.
- ECI Initiative: “Accessible Elections” campaign launched under the theme “No Voter to be Left Behind.”