The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced expanded provisions for postal ballot voting in the upcoming Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states.
The move is aimed at improving voter accessibility, particularly for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and individuals unable to visit polling stations on election day.
Key Highlights
- Voters aged 85 and above and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) can vote via postal ballot
- Facility extended to essential service personnel and media on election duty
- Home voting option available for eligible voters
- Service voters to receive ballots electronically via ETPBS
- Deadline for receipt of postal ballots: 8:00 AM on May 4, 2026
Postal Ballot for Elderly and PwDs
Under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, voters aged 85 years and above and PwDs listed in electoral rolls can opt for postal ballot voting.
Eligible voters must submit Form 12D within five days of the election notification through their Booth Level Officer (BLO).
Polling teams will then visit their homes to collect votes, ensuring convenience and participation without requiring travel to polling stations.
Official Statement
The Election Commission said the initiative is part of its efforts to make elections more inclusive and accessible.
It has directed election officials to ensure transparency and maintain secrecy of voting during the home voting process.
Facility for Essential Services and Media
The postal ballot option has also been extended to voters engaged in essential services on polling day.
This includes personnel from sectors such as healthcare, fire services, electricity, transport, and aviation.
Accredited media personnel covering elections have also been included under this category.
Voting Process for Election Duty and Service Voters
Voters assigned election duties will receive postal ballots at designated facilitation centres, where they can cast their vote confidentially.
Service voters, such as armed forces personnel, will receive their ballots electronically through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), eliminating delays and postal costs.
Context and Background
Postal ballot provisions have been gradually expanded in recent years to improve voter turnout and inclusivity.
The introduction of home voting and digital ballot transmission reflects a broader push to modernise the electoral process and address logistical challenges faced by certain voter groups.
Public Impact
The expanded postal ballot system is expected to enable greater participation from elderly voters, persons with disabilities, and those unable to attend polling stations due to professional responsibilities.
By reducing physical barriers, the initiative could help improve voter turnout and ensure more inclusive representation in the democratic process.
Conclusion
With Assembly elections approaching, the ECI’s enhanced postal ballot provisions aim to make voting more accessible while maintaining the integrity and secrecy of the process.
The success of these measures will be closely watched as part of India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen electoral participation and inclusivity.
Source: PIB
Last Updated on: Thursday, March 19, 2026 8:31 pm by Monisha Angara | Published by: Monisha Angara on Thursday, March 19, 2026 8:31 pm | News Categories: Mumbai
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