Home Voting facility for elderly, PwDs sees G’bal residents embracing opportunity with gratitude

Ganderbal: Availing the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) path-breaking facility of home voting, the Voters who availed this facility in District Ganderbal have expressed gratitude and satisfaction for being able to become part of the one of the biggest electoral process in the world by casting their vote from the four walls of their homes.
Voting from home became possible with the involvement of a full contingent of polling staff and security personnel maintaining secrecy of voting diligently.
With this, ECI has taken another decisive step toward facilitating a more equitable and representative democracy, where every citizen’s voice matters, regardless of physical limitations or age.
In Ganderbal district, the polling team travelled treacherous and steep areas, high terrains to reach such voters.
In a significant stride towards inclusive electoral participation, 231 voters out of 337 voters including elderly voters aged 85 years and above, as well as persons with disabilities (PwDs), exercised their voting rights on day 1st of home voting, through the home voting facility.
“A PwD voter from Wangat, Kangan, expressed gratitude to the ECI as he successfully exercised his franchise. Despite his physical limitations, this opportunity had significant meaning for him, highlighting the importance of inclusive voting practices”.
The beneficiaries at the District Disabilities Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC) in Ganderbal, operated by the She Hope Society for Women Entrepreneurs, joyfully casted their votes. They were delighted with the ease of voting at the DDRC.
Living in the hilly area of Yarmuqam, 87 years old Alimdin Kasana’s joy knew no bounds when he saw a polling party reaching him at his home to present him an opportunity of casting his vote. He was overwhelmed by this gesture and thanked ECI for this adorable opportunity.
Similarly, a PwD voter from Ramwari Gund was joyous when he saw a polling party visit him at his house located in the forest.
He said, “Mein buhut khush houn ki ECI ne ye step liya jis se hamein b laga hum jamhori amal mein brabar k shareek hain aur mulk ki taraqi mein hamara bhi hissa hai, aaj mujhe apne aphaj hone par koi afsos nhi hai” which can be translated as “I am very happy that the Election Commission of India has taken this step, which makes us feel that we are equal participants in the democratic process and also have a role in the country’s progress. Today, I have no regrets about me being a handicap.”
Another old-aged woman voter inspired other voters while casting her vote from home saying that the precious opportunity should not be wasted as the same is paramount for the democratic setup. She thanked ECI for giving her an opportunity to vote from home.
It is important to mention here that the voters had received advance notification of the visit, enabling them to prepare to vote safely and comfortably. To streamline the process and enhance accessibility, voters can also opt to receive SMS notifications indicating the days when home voting will be available.
The entire process is recorded on video to ensure transparency. This initiative highlights the ECI’s commitment to using technology to improve the electoral process. By implementing digital notifications and videography, innovative solutions are integrated to provide a smooth and transparent voting experience for eligible individuals.
Following the directives of ECI, special measures were taken to uphold the confidentiality and integrity of the voting process.
The success of the home voting facility in Ganderbal sets a commendable example and reflects the electoral authorities’ commitment to inclusive and accessible voting practices. This initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening democracy and promoting a culture of participation among all members of the community.
The District Electoral Officer Ganderbal complemented the officials engaged with the home voting service which ensures that our senior citizens and differently-abled members feel included and are able to exercise their fundamental right to vote without any barriers.