Key Points
- Record Participation: More than 237,000 electors, including 1.67 lakh elderly and 70,000 persons with disabilities, have been cleared for home voting.
- Legal Framework: The initiative is conducted under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, using optional postal ballots.
- State Highlights: Kerala leads with over 2.07 lakh beneficiaries, followed by significant numbers in Assam and Puducherry.
- Strict Transparency: Each home visit includes a full polling team, police security, and mandatory videography to maintain the secrecy of the ballot.
- Timeline: The home voting process is currently underway and is scheduled to be completed across all constituencies by April 5, 2026.
In a landmark step toward universal franchise, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially commenced the home voting process for the 2026 Assembly Elections. This historic initiative, designed for citizens aged 85 and above and persons with disabilities (PwD), ensures that physical limitations do not hinder participation in the electoral process. For the states of Assam and Kerala, along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, the commission has cleared 237,860 applications for this optional facility, allowing these voters to exercise their rights from their residences ahead of the main polling day on April 9.
The regulatory backbone of this project is Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which empowers the ECI to facilitate postal ballots for specific categories of voters. To access this service, eligible voters submitted “Form 12D” to their respective Returning Officers within five days of the election notification. This transition to a more accessible voting model has been met with significant enthusiasm, particularly in Kerala, where over 71 per cent of the eligible 85-plus population has opted for the home ballot.
Regional Breakdown, Kerala Leads in Beneficiaries
According to the latest data released by the Commission on March 30, 2026, the distribution of home voters highlights the massive scale of the operation. Kerala accounts for the lion’s share of beneficiaries, with 145,521 elderly citizens and 62,240 PwD electors approved. In Assam, the numbers stand at 19,774 elderly voters and 6,638 PwD electors, while Puducherry has recorded 2,066 elderly and 1,621 PwD voters opting for the facility.
The logistical challenge is managed by specialised mobile polling teams. Each team consists of two polling officials, a videographer to document the process for transparency, and police personnel to ensure security. To ensure that every approved voter is reached, the ECI has mandated a “two-visit” rule. If a voter is not present during the first scheduled visit, the team will return for a second attempt before the April 5 deadline.
Ensuring Transparency and On-Site Support
A primary concern for the Commission remains the “secrecy of the ballot.” To address this, the voting procedure at home mimics the privacy of a polling booth. Contesting candidates and recognised political parties are provided with the schedule of these home visits in advance, allowing them to send authorised representatives to observe the process. This level of oversight ensures that the postal ballots are collected without coercion or influence.
For those elderly or disabled voters who chose not to opt for home voting, the ECI has reinforced facilities at physical polling stations. On April 9, these voters will be greeted by dedicated volunteers, and essential amenities such as wheelchairs, priority queues, and transport assistance will be provided. This dual-pronged approach ensures that every eligible citizen has a clear, dignified path to the ballot box, regardless of their physical condition or age.
