India Sets Election Schedule for Five States in 2026
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially unveiled the 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 additional states. The crucial notifications for Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be issued on March 16, 2026, marking an important step in the electoral process.
Voting Accessibility for Seniors and Persons with Disabilities
In a significant move to enhance voter participation, the ECI has announced that electors aged 85 and above, as well as Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) identified in the electoral rolls, will have the option to vote via postal ballot. This facility, enabled by Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allows these voters to fill out Form 12 D and submit it to their respective Returning Officers (RO) through their Booth Level Officers (BLO) within five days following the election notification.
Home Voting for the Elderly and Disabled
Polling teams are set to collect votes directly from the homes of those eligible voters, adhering to a schedule that will be prepared by the Returning Officers and communicated to all candidates. This initiative ensures that those who might otherwise face challenges in reaching polling stations are able to participate in the democratic process easily and comfortably.
Postal Ballot for Essential Service Workers
Electors engaged in essential services on polling day can also access postal ballots. They must apply through the designated Nodal officer of their respective departments. Essential services covered include Fire Services, Health, Electricity, Traffic, Ambulance Services, and more. Additionally, media personnel approved by the Election Commission for coverage on poll day are categorized as absentee voters and are entitled to utilize the postal ballot facility.
Voting Protocols for Election Duty
Voters assigned to election duties will receive their postal ballots, cast their votes, and return them to designated facilitation centers. To ensure the integrity of the voting process, the ECI has emphasized that voting must occur in complete secrecy at these centers.
Electronic Balloting for Service Voters
Service voters will receive their postal ballots electronically via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), ensuring a swift and efficient process. These voters will not incur any costs for postal services. All postal ballots cast must reach the corresponding Returning Officers by 8:00 AM on the counting day, which is set for May 4, 2026.
Coordination with Political Parties
To ensure a smooth electoral process, the Returning Officer (RO) and District Election Officer (DEO) will brief political parties and contesting candidates about these provisions. With these measures in place, the ECI aims to facilitate a fair and accessible voting environment for all eligible voters.
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