Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, April 29 -
As part of the Lok Sabha general elections, voters are being sensitized to participate in the voting process through Sveep activities. Efforts are being made to ensure the participation of eligible individuals in the voting process by providing special facilities to voters. The decision has been taken by the Election Commission of India to provide the option of voting from home to 40 percent or more differently-abled individuals and elderly persons aged 85 and above.
The Election Commission of India has decided to provide alternative facility of voting from home to disabled persons having 40 percent or more percentage as per disability and senior citizens above 85 years of age. He said that persons with 40 percent disability and senior citizens above 85 years of age will have to apply to the Returning Officer within five days of the issuance of the notification giving their consent to vote from home.
In this regard, it is instructed to all Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to visit every household and provide Form 12D. After filling out the form, the BLOs will also collect Form 12D from the voters' homes. If any person wishes to vote at the booth, they do not need to fill out Form-12D. It is mentioned that differently-abled voters need to submit a copy of their disability certificate.
A list of such voters will also be provided to candidates if they wish to appoint their representatives to monitor the process. A team of polling officials will reach the voter's address to collect his vote. Voters will be informed in advance about their visit schedule.
----