The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced home voting for the first time in a Lok Sabha Election.
- This initiative aims to make voting easier for elderly citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
- Now, voters above 85 years of age and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability can choose to vote from home.
- This step marks a significant advancement in making the electoral process more inclusive and accessible. Over 81 lakh voters are aged 85 or above, and there are more than 90 lakh registered PwD voters across the country.
- The provision of home voting aims to empower voters who face difficulties in reaching polling stations. It is specifically targeted at PwDs meeting the 40% benchmark disability criteria and senior citizens aged above 85 years.
- The process to avail this facility is simple. Eligible voters must complete Form 12D within five days of the election notification and submit it to the returning officer. PwD voters need to include a baseline disability certificate with their applications.
