New Delhi, Mar 30 (TNT): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Monday said over 2.3 lakh electors have been approved to avail the home voting facility in the upcoming Assembly elections and bye-elections 2026.
The ECI has announced the schedule for the General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states.
According to the Commission, Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will go to polls on April 9, 2026.
According to the Commission, the home voting facility is available for voters aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), who can cast their vote through postal ballot under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The Commission said more than 2.37 lakh electors in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry have been approved so far by Returning Officers for home voting. Of these, 1,67,361 are elderly voters (85+) and 70,499 are PwD electors.
Kerala accounts for the highest number of approved home voters, followed by Assam and Puducherry.
The Commission said polling teams will visit voters’ residences as per a pre-informed schedule to collect votes.
If the voter is unavailable during the first visit, a second visit will be arranged.
To ensure transparency, the process will be videographed and conducted under police security while maintaining secrecy of voting.
The ECI said contesting candidates will be informed in advance about the schedule and may depute representatives to accompany polling teams.
Home voting has already commenced in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry and will continue till April 5.
The Commission added that voters who do not opt for home voting will be provided facilities such as wheelchairs and assistance at polling stations to ensure a smooth voting experience.
TNT KS
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