Home Voting Initiatives Announced for Upcoming Elections
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has unveiled the election schedule for the upcoming General Elections to the Legislative Assemblies of Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six states, set to take place on March 15, 2026. Polling in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will occur on April 9, 2026.
In a significant move, the ECI is offering an optional home voting facility for elderly voters aged 85 and above, along with Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) who appear in the electoral rolls. This initiative allows eligible voters to cast their ballots via postal ballot after applying to their respective Returning Officers within five days following the notification date.
Statistics on Home Voting Approval
As of March 30, 2026, over 2.37 lakh electors from Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry have received approval for the home voting facility. The distribution of these approvals is as follows:
| State/UT | No. of 85+ Electors Approved | % of 85+ Electors Voting Home | No. of PwD Electors Approved | % of PwD Electors Voting Home |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerala | 1,45,521 | 71.27% | 62,240 | 25.50% |
| Assam | 19,774 | 19.32% | 6,638 | 3.23% |
| Puducherry | 2,066 | 34.31% | 1,621 | 11.60% |
| Total | 1,67,361 | 53.5% | 70,499 | 15.22% |
Process and Transparency in Home Voting
Electors utilizing the home voting option will be notified in advance about the voting schedule. Teams of polling officials are assigned to visit the electors’ homes for vote collection. If an elector is unavailable during the initial visit, a second attempt will be made before the voting period concludes on April 5.
To ensure transparency and security, a videographer will accompany the polling teams, supported by police protection, throughout the voting process. Additionally, candidates from recognized political parties will have access to a list of electors benefiting from the home voting facility, and they will be informed about the schedule for visits. Candidates can appoint representatives to accompany the polling teams if they wish.
Support for Other Electors
For remaining electors aged 85 and older, along with those with disabilities who do not opt for the home voting facility, adequate assistance will be provided at polling stations. This includes the availability of volunteers, wheelchairs, and other necessary support to ensure a comfortable voting experience.
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