The Election Commission of India (ECI) has recently made the decision not to extend postal ballots to electors over 65 years of age for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly elections. The reasoning behind this decision is due to logistical challenges. This article delves into the background, working mechanism, and the challenges related to the extension of postal ballots.
Background
In June 2020, the Law Ministry, on the recommendation of the ECI, extended the postal ballot facility to electors aged 65 and above. These individuals are considered most vulnerable to Covid-19. The same extension was also made to confirmed Covid-19 patients, and those suspected of having the virus. This change was notified under the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961.
Prior to this, in November 2019, ahead of Jharkhand and Delhi elections, postal ballots were permitted to Persons with Disabilities (PwD) and electors over the age of 80.
Working Mechanism
The working mechanism of postal ballot for electors aged 65 and above differs from the regular postal service. Normally, electors receive their ballot papers electronically, which they return to the election officers via post.
For electors aged 65 and above, as well as Covid-19 patients, it works as a mobile polling station. The polling staff visits the homes of these electors, helps them fill out their ballots, seals them in envelopes, and takes it back. This method reduces exposure to potentially hazardous conditions at polling stations for older citizens and ensures that Covid-19 patients and those under quarantine are not deprived of their voting rights.
Challenges
Upon reviewing the preparations for the upcoming Bihar polls, the ECI has cited logistical, staffing, and safety protocol constraints as reasons for the decision. Collecting votes from such a large number of electors would require additional staff and security, which is not feasible given the current circumstances.
Around 72 lakh electors, around 10 percent of the total 7.19 crore electors in the state, would need this facility. This comes when state authorities are already set up an additional 34,000 polling stations in order to limit electors to 1,000 at each location. The requirement of additional polling personnel adds another layer of administrative complexity to the process.
Postal Ballots System
Under the postal ballots system, ballot papers are distributed electronically to the electors and are returned to the election officers via post. Presently, only the subsequent groups of voters are allowed to cast their votes through postal ballot:
– Service voters (armed forces, the armed police force of a state and government servants posted abroad),
– Voters on election duty,
– Voters aged 80 or above, or Persons with Disabilities (PwD),
– Voters under preventive detention.
An exception to these categories is provided under Section 60 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. These regulations ensure that every citizen has an opportunity to exercise their democratic right to vote, regardless of personal circumstances or constraints.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024