ECI Introduces Home Voting for Elderly and PwD Voters in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections

This initiative, a first in the history of Lok Sabha elections, enables over 1.7 crore eligible voters to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes, marking a significant step towards enhancing democratic participation.

Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Shri Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, announced this groundbreaking initiative, emphasizing the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the welfare and participation of all citizens in the electoral process.

The optional home voting facility has already been availed by eligible voters during the first and second phases of polling, setting a precedent for future elections.

Expressing gratitude for the ECI’s initiative, voters who have utilized the home voting facility in the initial phases have lauded the Commission’s efforts in facilitating their participation in the electoral process.

With the involvement of a full contingent of polling staff and security personnel, the integrity and secrecy of the voting process are meticulously maintained, ensuring a smooth and transparent voting experience for eligible voters.

In various regions across the country, heartwarming stories of elderly voters and PwDs exercising their franchise from home have emerged, underscoring the transformative impact of this initiative on the democratic fabric of society.

From remote villages to urban centers, voters have embraced this opportunity to contribute to the electoral process with enthusiasm and gratitude towards the ECI.

The provision of home voting represents a progressive measure aimed at empowering voters facing physical barriers to traditional polling stations. Eligible voters can avail this facility by completing Form 12D and submitting it to the returning officer within five days of the election notification.

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) play a crucial role in facilitating the process, ensuring that eligible voters receive the necessary assistance and support to exercise their right to vote.

As India prepares for the upcoming phases of the Lok Sabha elections, the introduction of home voting stands as a testament to the ECI’s commitment to fostering inclusivity, accessibility, and transparency in the electoral process.

By leveraging technology and innovative solutions, the Commission continues to uphold the principles of democracy, ensuring that no voter is left behind in the journey towards a more equitable and representative democracy.