Guwahati: More than 26,000 voters in Assam have been approved to avail the home voting facility ahead of the Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, according to the Election Commission of India.
The provision, introduced under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allows electors aged above 85 and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast their votes from home through postal ballots.
In Assam, 19,774 senior citizens and 6,638 PwD voters have been cleared for the facility so far. While approximately 19.32% of eligible elderly voters have opted for home voting, the uptake among PwDs stands at 3.23%, the Commission said on Monday.
Across Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, over 2.37 lakh electors have been approved for home voting, indicating a growing adoption of the initiative among vulnerable voter groups. Kerala accounts for the largest share, while Assam has recorded a more moderate but steady participation rate.
Officials said the process is already underway in several constituencies and is expected to be completed by April 5. Polling teams, accompanied by security personnel and videographers, are visiting voters’ residences to ensure transparency while maintaining the secrecy of the ballot.
Electors are being informed of the schedule in advance, and a second visit is planned in cases where voters are unavailable during the initial round. Candidates and recognised political parties have also been notified and may send representatives to observe the process.
Authorities added that voters who have not opted for home voting will be provided assistance at polling stations, including wheelchairs and volunteer support, to ensure ease of participation.
The initiative forms part of the ECI’s broader effort to enhance accessibility and inclusiveness in the electoral process as Assam prepares for a crucial phase of the Assembly elections.