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.
  • Note: The Election Commission of India allowed media persons covering election activities and senior citizens who are 85 years and older to cast their vote through postal ballots in the recently held general elections. 

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 scrutinize the postal ballots to ensure their validity and integrity. Valid postal ballots are then added to the respective candidate’s vote count.