The Central Government, in consultation with the Election Commission, has increased the minimum age for postal voting from 80 years to 85 years. For this, amendments have been made in the Election Conduct Rules, 1961. This is a big decision from the government, now people of 85 years of age or above can exercise their franchise through postal voting.
The amendment targets the “notified category of electors” which includes essential service workers, persons with disabilities, persons suffering from or suspected of having COVID-19 and now, senior citizens above 85 years of age. The adjustments are seen as a response to the evolving demographic profile of the country's electorate and are aimed at streamlining the voting process for those who most need assistance.
The government has taken this decision to simplify the voting process. After this change, the elderly population of the country will be able to exercise their franchise easily. Also, this is being seen as an important change in the election process.
What is postal voting:
Postal voting is also a method of voting. Under this, the voter casts his vote by post instead of going personally to the polling booth. This postal voting reaches his/her constituency and is counted on the day of counting. This facility is available for those who stay away from their polling area at the time of voting. This is for disabled voters or people engaged in essential services on the election day. It is also especially useful for those individuals who are unable to vote in person due to various reasons.
Eligible for postal voting:
Voters on electoral duty: Members of the armed forces, paramilitary forces and other government servants who are posted on election duty away from their home constituencies. He can use postal voting.
Absentee voters: Individuals who are unable to vote in person for reasons such as being away from their home constituency due to work, illness or disability.
This may also include those voters who have been detained under preventive detention orders during the election period.
Reason for the decision taken by the government
The government has taken this decision considering the number of senior citizens. The total number of senior citizens above 80 years of age in the country is approximately 1.75 crore, out of which the number of people aged 80-85 years is approximately 98 lakh. Whereas the number of voters aged 100 years and above is 2.38 lakh. This decision will further increase the participation of senior citizens in the voting process, which is also necessary for a strong democracy.