Postal ballot for Covid patients, 80+ voters in UP assembly elections

LUCKNOW: After recovering from the coronavirus infection at the age of 97 years, Mahanagar resident Bishwamber Lal Verma has lost the ability to walk, but he still might be able to cast his

vote

in the UP elections through

postal

ballot.

According to election commission of India (ECI), there are a total of 24.42 lakh registered

voters

above 80 years of age in Uttar Pradesh. Therefore, to facilitate such voters in October 2019, the ministry of law and justice brought an amendment in conduct of election rules and included senior citizens above 80 years of age and physically disabled people under absentee voters.

Further, in June 2020, another amendment included corona positive patients under absentee voters, who would not require to visit polling stations but would be provided postal ballot box at their homes to ensure that they are able to cast their vote in secrecy.

ECI officials on condition of anonymity said, "Under the absentee category, people above 80 years of age, corona positive patients, physical disabled and essential service providers (like railways, postal service etc) can download the 12D form from the ECI website or receive a copy of the same from booth level officer (BLO). After filling it correctly, the 12D form should be submitted with the BLO within five days of notification of polls."

Corona positive patients need to attach a medical report stating their Covid status, while physically disabled individuals can submit government issued certificates of disabilities.

"Once the form is submitted, it will be scrutinized and a list of such voters would be shared with political parties that can visit the voters' house on the day of polling. A postal ballot box along with ballot paper would be provided wherein they can cast the vote in secrecy," said the officer, adding that the process would be conducted 24 hours before the actual polling under the supervision of an assistant returning officer (SzDM).

The ECI official said, "Postal ballot exercise for 80 years above and corona patients would be happening for the first time."