A total of 26,412 electors in Assam, including many in Guwahati, have been approved to vote from home in the upcoming Assembly elections, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
The facility covers 19,774 voters aged above 85 years and 6,638 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), enabling them to participate in the electoral process without visiting polling stations.
Over 26,000 voters in Assam, including senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities in Guwahati, have been approved for home voting in the Assembly elections. The Election Commission will conduct doorstep voting using postal ballots, ensuring accessibility, transparency, and voter secrecy.
What This Means for Guwahati Voters
In Guwahati, where a significant elderly population resides across urban and suburban areas, the home voting option is expected to:
- Improve accessibility for senior citizens
- Support PwD voters in exercising their rights
- Reduce dependency on physical polling booth visits
This initiative is particularly relevant in densely populated areas where mobility can be a challenge.
How the Home Voting Process Works
The home voting facility is provided under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
Key steps include:
- Polling teams visiting voters’ homes with postal ballots
- Advance notification of visit schedules
- A second visit if the voter is unavailable initially
- Presence of videographers and police personnel for transparency
The process ensures both security and secrecy of voting.
Political Parties and Monitoring
Recognised political parties have been given access to the list of voters opting for home voting.
Candidates are also informed about polling schedules and can:
- Nominate representatives
- Accompany polling teams after submitting Form 10 to the Returning Officer
This ensures transparency and accountability throughout the process.
Assistance for Other Voters in Guwahati
For voters who have not opted for home voting, the Election Commission has ensured support at polling stations.
Facilities include:
- Wheelchairs
- Volunteers for assistance
- Priority arrangements for elderly and PwD voters
Polling booths in Guwahati are expected to be equipped to handle accessibility needs efficiently.
Wider Context Across Regions
Across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, a total of 2,37,860 electors have been approved for home voting.
Kerala recorded the highest number, while Assam’s figures highlight a growing adoption of the facility in the Northeast.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
The initiative reflects a broader push toward inclusive voting in Guwahati and across Assam.
By enabling doorstep voting, authorities aim to ensure that:
- No eligible voter is left out due to mobility issues
- Electoral participation increases
- The voting process becomes more citizen-friendly
What Happens Next
Eligible voters in Guwahati will be informed about their home voting schedule in advance.
Polling teams will begin visits as per the election timeline, ensuring all approved voters can cast their ballots before polling day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who can vote from home in the Assam elections?
Voters aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) flagged in the electoral rolls are eligible for home voting.
2. How will home voting be conducted in Guwahati?
Polling teams will visit voters’ homes with postal ballots, accompanied by officials to ensure transparency and security.