The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced plans to facilitate voting for senior residents and differently-abled people by conducting door-to-door companies through the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The Lok Sabha elections have been scheduled throughout seven phases, commencing from April 19 and concluding on June 1. Approximately 97 crore voters are anticipated to train their franchise throughout this era. Notably, greater than 21 crore younger voters are anticipated to take part in the electoral course of.
Significance of senior and disabled voters
Moreover, over 88.4 lakh differently-abled voters are poised to contribute considerably to strengthening democracy. Additionally, there are over 82 lakh people above the age of 85 who will take part in the electoral course of. Furthermore, greater than 2.18 lakh centenarians are additionally eligible to vote in the upcoming elections. Moreover, over 48,000 transgender people are anticipated to train their voting rights.
Senior and disabled voters in Delhi
In Delhi, the ultimate electoral roll revealed in January revealed that there are 2,63,771 voters aged 80 and above, together with 71,794 differently-abled voters throughout the seven Lok Sabha constituencies. The EC has granted these voters the choice to solid their votes by way of postal ballots from their properties.
Historical context and current developments
This initiative marks the primary time eligible voters can have the choice to vote by way of postal ballots in Lok Sabha elections. Following a suggestion by the Election Commission in October 2019, amendments had been made to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to allow voters aged 80 and above and differently-abled people to vote by way of postal ballots in the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections. Approximately 3,000 people utilized postal ballots through the Delhi Assembly elections.
Recent regulatory modifications
In June 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the principles had been amended as soon as once more to broaden the eligibility standards for postal ballots from “80 years and above” to “85 years and above.” With this variation in the age bracket, officers are set to launch the precise variety of eligible voters for this facility in Delhi quickly.
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