Postal Ballots for Bihar Assembly Elections

Summary of Election Commission Postal Ballot Initiative for Bihar Assembly Polls

Facts and Figures:

• Eligibility for Postal Ballots: Electors above 85 years old and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) can vote via postal ballot.
• Application Process: Eligible voters must submit Form 12 D to the Returning Officer through the Booth Level Officer (BLO) within five days of the election notification.
• Polling Team: Teams will be dispatched to collect votes from eligible voters' homes.

Policies and Government Schemes:

• Postal Ballot Facility: This facility is extended to those in essential services, including:
  • Fire Services
  • Health Services
  • Electricity
  • Traffic Management
  • Ambulance Services
  • Aviation
  • Long-distance Government Road Transport Corporations
• Media Inclusion: Media persons authorised by the Election Commission for poll day coverage can also utilize the postal ballot as absentee voters.

Judicial and Administrative Aspects:

• Service Voters: Postal ballots for service voters will be sent electronically via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) following the finalization of contesting candidates.
• Cost: Service voters are exempted from postal charges.

Constitutional Context:

• Although not directly cited, these measures align with the principles of facilitating democratic participation as envisaged under Articles related to elections in the Constitution of India.

Role of Election Commission of India (ECI):

• The ECI is responsible for ensuring the smooth conduct of elections and has communicated the necessary provisions to political parties and candidates.

International Relevance:

• The initiative emphasizes the inclusion of marginalized groups in the electoral process, which resonates with global democratic norms and practices.

Conclusion

The Election Commission of India is taking significant steps to ensure that elderly and disabled voters can participate in the democratic process in Bihar, thereby enhancing voter accessibility and inclusion. The provisions outlined aim to empower vulnerable sections of society and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.