Mumbai: Postal ballots can be sent in till May 22

MUMBAI: Those who have opted to go in for

postal

ballot can send their votes till May 22, a day before counting. The clarification came after several on polling duty received

ballot

papers on April 30, a day after voting ended here.


The paper warned the voter to ensure that it should be duly ticked and attested by a Class I officer before it reaches the election officer by 8pm on April 23.

D Walvi, deputy chief electoral officer, said the confusion largely happens in a city like Mumbai when a government servant is sent for training to an assembly constituency, is posted on duty at a polling booth in another constituency or resides in a third constituency.

Walvi explained that polling officials are provided the forms at the training centre. The forms are collected by the returning officer of that constituency. If posted in the same area, arrangements are made for them to cast their ballot on voting day. If posted in another constituency, the ballot paper is forwarded to the returning officer of the constituency where they reside, who sends it to their residence by post.

“The voter can still fill the ballot paper, get it attested by a Class I officer and ensure it reaches us by May 22,” he said.

On the number of ballot forms filled, Walvi said the actual number of those who registered and those who voted will be known only on May 23.

This time, Election Commission of India has provided an Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) for personnel in armed forces and those deputed

abroad

. More than one lakh voters have registered and the ETPBS was sent to them within 24 hours of the last date of withdrawal of nominations.

Satara, at 8,000, has the most

service

voters, while at 117, Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency has the least.