In a first, Persons above 85, those with over 40 per cent disability can vote from home for Lok Sabha polls

NEW DELHI: Individuals aged 85 and above, as well as those with disabilities exceeding 40 percent, will have the option to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar announced on Saturday. The decision was unveiled during a press conference held to announce the electoral schedule for general election and assembly elections in 4 states.

"We are prepared to facilitate home voting for individuals above the age of 85. Before the nomination process, we will dispatch Form 12 D to their residences to indicate their preference," Kumar said.

While addressing reporters, Kumar highlighted that although this initiative has been piloted in select regions during assembly elections, it marks the first nationwide implementation during the Lok Sabha polls.

"If they opt for home voting, we will ensure the electoral process takes place at their doorstep. Our observation indicates that the majority of these individuals prefer to visit polling stations owing to their consistent engagement in our democratic process. However, provisions such as volunteers and wheelchairs will be available at polling booths for their convenience," he added.

Kumar revealed that the voter demographic eligible for home voting includes 85 lakh individuals aged above 85 years and 88.4 lakh persons with disabilities. Additionally, there are 21.18 lakh centenarians enlisted in the electoral rolls.

According to the CEC, the total number of eligible voters stands at 97.8 crore, comprising 49.72 crore male voters and 47.1 crore female voters. The Lok Sabha elections for 543 seats will unfold in seven phases, with the first phase commencing on April 19. Vote counting is scheduled for June 4.

In 2019, the electorate included 62.63 lakh Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) within a total of 91 crore registered voters.

(With agency inputs)

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