Shimla, May 21
A total of 48,919 applications for home voting have been submitted in Himachal Pradesh for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections announced Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Maneesh Garg. This initiative primarily targets senior citizens aged 85 and above, and individuals with over 40 percent disability, ensuring their participation in the democratic process from the comfort of their homes.
CEO Garg detailed the process, stating that eligible voters can fill out Form 12D, and upon approval from the relevant authorities or the Returning Officer, electoral officials will facilitate home voting between May 21 and May 29, 2024. The actual voting day for the state is scheduled for June 1, 2024.
Out of the 48,919 applications, 37,362 have been approved so far. Specifically, 32,370 applications were from voters aged above 85, with 25,958 approvals. Additionally, from the 57,775 persons with disabilities (PwD) registered to vote, 13,554 applied for home voting, and 9,394 applications were approved.
Garg also noted that 2,995 employees on essential services had submitted Form 12D, with 2,010 approvals. These employees will vote at Postal Voting Centers (PVCs) set up in their home assembly constituencies on one of the three designated days.
Reflecting on previous elections, Garg highlighted that in the 2022 assembly elections, a total of 32,882 forms were received from voters above 80 years, and 8,716 from PwD voters. Out of these, 30,908 elderly voters and 6,426 PwD voters successfully cast their ballots through home voting. Additionally, 1,557 essential service employees applied, and 872 exercised their franchise at PVCs.
The home voting initiative is a significant step in ensuring inclusive and accessible elections, enabling more citizens to participate despite physical constraints.
Empower Independent Journalism – Join Us Today!
Dear Reader,
We’re committed to unbiased, in-depth journalism that uncovers truth and gives voice to the unheard. To sustain our mission, we need your help. Your contribution, no matter the size, fuels our research, reporting, and impact.
Stand with us in preserving independent journalism’s integrity and transparency. Support free press, diverse perspectives, and informed democracy.
Click [here] to join and be part of this vital endeavour.
Thank you for valuing independent journalism.
Warmly,
Vishal Sarin, Editor