The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the “vote-from-home” (VfH) facility for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, aimed at enhancing accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and senior citizens aged 85 and above. This groundbreaking initiative allows eligible individuals to cast their votes through postal ballots from the comfort of their homes.
Eligibility Criteria and Significance
- Age and Disability Criteria:
- Eligible voters include senior citizens aged 85 and above, and PwD candidates with a benchmark disability of not less than 40%, as certified by the concerned authority.
- Purpose:
- The VfH facility aims to promote inclusivity by offering an alternative voting option for individuals facing mobility challenges or health concerns.
Application Process and Documentation
- Form 12D:
- To avail the VfH facility, eligible voters must submit Form 12D, informing the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) of their inability to visit the polling station.
- The form can be downloaded from the ECI website or obtained from the office of the district officer.
- Submission of Form 12D must be completed within five days of the notification of the polling date.
Implementation and Voting Process
- Home Voting Procedure:
- Upon receipt of Form 12D, a team of polling officials will visit the elector’s home to oversee the postal ballot voting process.
- The voter will receive intimation about the visit schedule via SMS or post.
- If the voter is absent during the scheduled visit, subsequent visits will not be entertained.
Challenges and Awareness Efforts
- Logistical Hurdles:
- Coordinating requests, scheduling visits, and ensuring voter participation pose logistical challenges.
- Awareness Generation:
- The success of the VfH facility hinges on extensive awareness campaigns among voters and polling officers.
- Inclusivity Concerns:
- Efforts must be made to accurately identify and include all eligible individuals, especially those with disabilities, in the electoral process.
