Vote-from-home for 85 and above, people with 40% disability in historic first

Vote-from-home for 85 and above, people with 40% disability in historic first

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Mar 16, 2024: The Election Commission announced ’vote-from-home’ facilities for citizens above 85 years and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections, scheduled to be held from April 19 in seven phases, and the assembly elections in four states. This is the first time the poll body providing ’vote-from-home’.

 

The commission also outlined multiple provisions for people with disabilities and those who need assistance t ensure accessible and inclusive voting.

* Voters above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities with a 40 per cent benchmark disability can vote from home.
* Volunteers and wheelchairs will be deployed at polling stations.
* Transport facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly will be arranged.
* Saksham app to avail special facilities at polling stations.
* Push for permanent Assured Minimum Facilities in schools, gift of election process to students.

"10.5 lakh polling booths nationwide offer a seamless voting experience for voters, equipped with assured minimum facilities. From ramps for PwDs to assistance for pregnant women, our aim is inclusive participation. Every voice matters," the Commission said.

WOMEN VOTERS INCREASED

The number of women voters has increased significantly since 2019 from 928 to 948,the election commission noted.

"Growing gender ratio in electoral rolls is a testament to women celebrating their right to vote. Efforts have brought women into the process, with 12 States/UTs boasting an elector gender ratio over 1000," the poll body said.

* Total electors include 49.7 crore males, 47.1 crore females, 48,000 transgenders
* 1.8 crore first-time voters added
* Over 85 lakh 1st-time women voters will participate in this year’s election
* 82 lakh voters are above 85 years, 2.18 lakh centenarians

The Lok Sabha elections are to be held in seven phases from April 19. The first phase is to be held on April 19, the second phase on April 26, third phase on May 7, fourth on May 13, fifth phase on May 20, sixth phase on May 25 and the seventh phase on June 1.

Courtesy: India Today