Assembly Elections 2026: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has said that over 2.37 lakh electors have been approved for the home voting facility in the ongoing Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry.
The Commission had announced the schedule for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, on March 15. Polling in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry is scheduled to be held on April 9.
As per provisions under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the ECI provides an optional home voting facility through postal ballots for electors aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) identified in the electoral rolls. Eligible voters are required to apply to their respective Returning Officers within five days of the notification.
According to official data, a total of 1,67,361 elderly voters (85+) and 70,499 PwD electors have been approved for home voting so far across the three poll-bound regions.
Kerala accounts for the highest number of beneficiaries, with 1,45,521 elderly voters, representing 71.27 per cent of the total 85+ electors, opting for home voting. In addition, 62,240 PwD voters in the state, or 25.50 per cent, have also chosen the facility.
In Assam, 19,774 elderly voters (19.32 per cent) and 6,638 PwD electors (3.23 per cent) have been approved for home voting. Puducherry has recorded 2,066 elderly voters (34.31 per cent) and 1,621 PwD electors (11.6 per cent) opting for the facility.
The home voting process has already commenced in various constituencies and will continue till April 5. Polling teams are visiting electors’ residences to collect votes, with prior intimation provided to the voters. In case a voter is unavailable during the first visit, a second visit is scheduled.
To ensure transparency, polling teams are accompanied by videographers and security personnel, and the entire process is recorded while maintaining the secrecy of the ballot.
The ECI has also informed that candidates of recognised political parties are provided with a list of electors opting for home voting. Candidates can depute representatives to accompany polling teams after due intimation.
For those who have not opted for home voting, the Commission has assured that polling stations will be equipped with facilities such as wheelchairs, volunteers and other assistance to ensure accessible and convenient voting.
The Commission noted that notifications for West Bengal Phase-I and Tamil Nadu were issued on March 30, while the notification for West Bengal Phase-II will be issued on April 2.
The initiative is part of the ECI’s efforts to make the electoral process more inclusive and accessible for all eligible voters.
