Ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with by-elections in six states, the Election Commission has extended the facility of postal ballot voting to electors above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities.

 

The Poll body said eligible voters can apply through Form 12D within five days of the election notification with the help of their Booth Level Officer. Polling teams will visit their residences to collect votes, ensuring both convenience and secrecy in the process.

 

The Commission has also allowed electors engaged in essential services such as health, fire, electricity, transport and aviation to avail the postal ballot facility through designated nodal officers. Media personnel authorised for poll-day coverage have also been included in this category. The Election Commission said voters on election duty will cast their ballots at facilitation centres under strict secrecy guidelines, while service voters will receive their ballots electronically through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System.