In a first for Rajasthan, the upcoming Lok Sabha elections will witness the introduction of home voting for senior citizens aged above 85 and differently-abled voters with over 40 percent disability.
The process of registering eligible voters for home voting is currently underway, facilitated by Booth Level Officers (BLO) until March 26, in preparation for the first phase of Lok Sabha polling in the state.
Praveen Gupta, Chief Electoral Officer, Rajasthan, highlighted that this initiative, aimed at fostering inclusive elections, has been spearheaded by the Election Commission of India (ECI).
This innovative approach was successfully piloted during the 2023 Assembly elections in Rajasthan, where nearly 99 percent of the 61,022 eligible registered voters availed the home voting facility. Now, the initiative is being extended for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
Gupta stressed that participation in home voting is voluntary, with eligible voters required to apply through Form 12-D to the BLO.
The registration process, initiated for the first phase of voting, will continue until March 26.
Following voter registration, lists of those opting for home voting will be shared with all recognized political parties and candidates by April 1. Subsequently, special polling teams will be formed, trained, and all logistical processes finalised by April 4.
Home voting will commence from April 5 and run until April 14, conducted under the supervision of political party representatives, candidates, and election observers.
In case a voter is unavailable or unable to cast their ballot during the initial phase, polling teams will make a second visit for home voting between April 15 and 16, ensuring maximum participation in the democratic process.
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