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Postal Ballot in Assembly Elections
The Election Commission of India has enabled postal ballot facilities to ensure inclusive voting for elderly citizens, PwDs, service voters and election duty staff.
Postal Ballot :
| Aspect | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Definition | Allows eligible voters to cast votes remotely without visiting polling stations. |
| Objective | Ensure inclusive participation for voters unable to be physically present. |
| Eligibility | Service voters, absentee voters and voters on election duty. |
| Service Voters | Armed forces, CAPF and government employees posted abroad. |
| Absentee Voters | Senior citizens (85+), PwDs (≥40% disability), essential service and authorised media personnel. |
| Election Duty Voters | Polling staff and security personnel. |
| Ordinary Postal Ballot | Used by election duty staff, essential service workers and preventive detention voters. |
| ETPBS | Electronic transmission for service voters; ballot sent digitally and returned physically. |
| Home Voting | Polling team visits homes of senior citizens (85+) and PwDs to collect votes. |
| Application Forms | Form 12 (duty staff), Form 12D (absentee voters and essential services). |
| Legal Basis | Representation of the People Act, 1951 (Section 60(c)); Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961. |
| Constitutional Basis | Article 326 – Universal Adult Suffrage. |
| Authority | District Election Officer (DEO) and Returning Officer (RO). |
| Deadline | Ballots must reach RO by 8:00 AM on counting day. |
| Counting | Postal ballots counted before EVM votes with similar confidentiality safeguards. |