As preparations for the 2024 Lok Sabha Election intensify, the Election Commission introduces an innovative ‘vote-from-home’ initiative targeting seniors aged 85 and above and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in Belgaum. This pioneering move aims to empower hundreds of thousands of seniors and PwDs to conveniently exercise their voting rights.
The ‘Vote From Home’ scheme, a first in India’s democratic history, allows eligible citizens aged 85 and above and those with over 40% disabilities to participate in the electoral process from the comfort of their residences.
To register for the Vote from Home facility, eligible individuals are required to complete Form 12D and inform the Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) about their inability to visit polling stations. Form 12D can be downloaded from the Election Commission’s official website or obtained from the respective district officer’s office. The distribution of forms has already begun in selected cities.
The completed application must be submitted to the RO within five days of the election notification date. Subsequently, polling officials, accompanied by a videographer and security personnel, will visit the eligible individual’s home to oversee the postal ballot voting process. Prior notification of the visit’s date and time will be communicated to the voter via SMS or mail.
