Kolkata Begins 3-Day Home Voting for Seniors and PwD
Democracy celebrated its spirit in a more poignant way today with the start of the postal voting exercise by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in Kolkata. The three-day drive, which started on April 16 and will continue till April 18, targets senior citizens who are 85 years old and above and Persons with Disabilities (PwD), with the goal of ensuring “no voter left behind.” The drive will take place against the backdrop of the crucial West Bengal Assembly Elections, where the major polling dates for constituencies in Kolkata are set for April 23 and 29.
This morning, mobile polling teams were observed traversing the small lanes and towering buildings of Kolkata to reach their destinations to perform the assigned duty. Each mobile team consists of two members from the electoral body, one videographer to oversee the process, and a security member to safeguard the operation. For the purpose of upholding the democratic values, the ECI has made it compulsory to record the whole process from verifying the identity of the voter to sealing the ballot paper.
This optional provision known as “Home Voting” was enabled under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act of 1951 in respect of persons who had earlier applied for Form 12D via their Booth Level Officer (BLO). Many eligible voters in Kolkata have exercised this option due to the difficulty they face due to their mobility, and because the weather has started warming up. “The mountain has come to Mohammed,” says 89 year old Mr. Banerjee from Bhabanipur, who voted today. “For me it was quite overwhelming at my age to go to the booth and see such a huge crowd, so it made me very happy that I could vote while sitting in my armchair.”
The candidates from the main political parties, like AITC and BJP, have also been informed about the schedule of such home visits, and now they can send their representatives for witnessing the entire process. According to the District Election Officer, in case of any voter not being present during the first round, there would be another effort made before April 18, but in no way would there be a third chance allowed. As the city gears up for the final electoral battle, this inclusive measure serves as a reminder of the evolving nature of Indian elections, prioritizing accessibility and dignity for the veterans of the Republic.
