Lok Sabha Elections-2024
Home Voting facility for elderly
& PwDs sees Ganderbal residents embracing opportunity with gratitude
231 Voters out of 337 exercise their
voting rights on day 1st of Home Voting
GANDERBAL, MAY 07:
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.