New Delhi: In a significant move, the government has amended the electoral rules to allow voters above 85 years of age to cast their vote through postal ballot. The decision was taken on last Friday, March 1, 2024, following the recommendation of the Election Commission.
The Law Ministry issued a new gazette notification stating that the Election Conducting Rules 1961 have been revised to include voters who have crossed the age of 85 in the postal ballot category.
The change comes just days before the announcement of the dates of the Lok Sabha and assembly elections of four states, namely West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Assam, which are expected to be held in April-May 2024.
According to the latest data released by the Election Commission on February 9, 2024, there are 97 crore eligible voters in the country, out of which 1.85 crore are above 80 years of age. The number of centenarian voters, i.e. those who are 100 years or older, has also increased to 2.38 lakh.
The postal ballot facility is aimed at facilitating the participation of elderly voters, who may face difficulties in reaching the polling booths or standing in long queues. The facility is also available to persons with disabilities, service voters, and voters who are on election duty.
