From Tuesday, people who are 85 years and above, and disabled can now have the option to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes, West Tripura District Election Officer (DEO) and Returning Officer (RO) Vishal Kumar said.
District Election Officer (DEO) and Returning Officer (RO) Kumar expressed the significance of the initiative, stating that the Election Commission of India has the motto that every vote matters.
Kumar highlighted the meticulous preparation involved, including compiling a list of voters aged 85 and above, and persons with disabilities (PwD).
“The Election Commission of India has the motto that every vote matters. For this, we have prepared a list of voters who are 85+ years old and PwD people and have received requisition forms from them by March 25th. Now, from April 9th onwards, their votes will be collected from their homes,” Vishal Kumar said.
Earlier, the Election Commission announced ‘vote-from-home’ facilities for citizens over 85 years of age and persons with disabilities for the Lok Sabha elections.
The commission said that voters above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities with a 40 percent benchmark disability can vote from home. The commission said that at polling stations, volunteers and wheelchairs will be deployed and transport facilities for persons with disabilities and the elderly will be arranged.
Kumar emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring the inclusion of all voters.
“It’s a great facility by the ECI for the PwD voters and the 85+yrs voters; such kind of initiatives will majorly affect the importance of the election for all such voters. And I am expecting that all will participate in this home voting and for this, the training has already been given to all the designated persons. All the political parties are also supporting us in all respects regarding this,” Vishal Kumar said.
“Approximately 5000 voters have opted for home voting, with the process commencing on April 9th. In the West Tripura Lok Sabha constituency, home voting will take place on April 10th and 12th,” he added.
Tripura: Senior citizens, disabled can avail home voting facility from April 9
