In anticipation of the upcoming assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, as well as by-elections in six states, the Election Commission has extended the facility of postal ballot voting to electors aged 85 and above, and to individuals with disabilities.
The Election Commission stated that eligible voters can apply through Form 12D within five days of the election notification, with the assistance of their Booth Level Officer. Polling teams will visit voters' homes to collect their votes, ensuring both convenience and confidentiality in the process.
The Commission has also allowed electors working in essential services such as health, fire, electricity, transport, and aviation to avail the postal ballot facility through designated nodal officers. This also includes media personnel authorized for poll-day coverage. The Election Commission stated that voters on election duty will cast their ballots at designated centers under strict confidentiality guidelines, while service voters will receive their ballots electronically through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System.