About

• Postal voting, also known as absentee voting, is a method of voting in which electors cast their ballots by mail rather than in person at a polling station. 
• This method is particularly useful for individuals who are unable to vote in person due to various reasons, such as being away from their home constituency, having a disability, or being engaged in essential services on election day.

Who is eligible for postal ballots?

• The eligibility criteria for postal ballots vary depending on the specific election and jurisdiction. However, some common categories of eligible voters include:
  • Service voters: Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and other government employees deployed on election duty far from their home constituencies.
  • Absentee voters: Individuals who are unable to vote in person due to reasons such as being away from their home constituency for work, illness, or disability.
  • Electors on election duty: Government officials and polling staff who are assigned duties at polling stations other than their own.
  • Electors under preventive detention: Individuals who are detained under preventive custody orders during the election period.

Applying for Postal Ballot

• To apply for a postal ballot, eligible voters must submit an application to the Returning Officer (RO) of their respective constituency. 
• The application form typically requires personal details, voter identification information, and the reason for seeking a postal ballot. 
• The RO verifies the eligibility of the applicant and issues the postal ballot if the criteria are met.

Counting of Postal Ballot

• Postal ballots are counted separately from votes cast at polling stations. 
• The RO and election officials scrutinise the postal ballots to ensure their validity and integrity. Valid postal ballots are then added to the respective candidate’s vote count.