ECI Allows Postal Ballot For Essential Service Employees

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has notified the category of electors mentioned for the purpose of facility of voting through postal ballot as absentee voters in the category of persons employed on essential services.

Key Highlights:

• This category specifically includes individuals employed in essential services, ensuring their participation in the democratic process even while fulfilling vital duties on polling day.
• The list of eligible voters encompasses a diverse range of professionals whose roles are indispensable for the smooth functioning of society.
• Those included in the list are employees from critical sectors such as public transportation (Metro), Railways, telecommunications (BSNL), power (Electricity) and healthcare (Health Departments), Fire Services, Postal Services, Aviation, Disaster Management, state-run broadcasting services (Doordarshan and All India Radio), as well as media personnel authorized by the Commission to cover the polling day proceedings, among others.
• This decision, made in accordance with the provisions outlined in the Representation of the People Act, 1951, underscores the ECI’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
• Acknowledging the difficulties essential service workers encounter on election day, the Commission’s objective is to safeguard their fundamental right to vote without any hindrances or interruptions.
• The notification is specifically applicable to the ongoing General Elections and Legislative Assembly elections in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Sikkim. Furthermore, it encompasses bye-elections scheduled to be held in 26 Assembly Constituencies across 13 different states.

ABOUT POSTAL VOTING

• Postal voting, also referred to as absentee voting, is a convenient method of voting where voters can cast their ballots via mail instead of physically visiting a polling station.
• This method is especially beneficial for individuals who are unable to vote in person due to certain circumstances, including being away from their home constituency, having a disability, or being engaged in essential services on election day.

ABOUT ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA:

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a permanent and independent established by the Constitution of India to ensure free and fair elections in the country.
• Article 324 of the Constitution of India deals with the provisions related to the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• It shall consist of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and such number of other Election Commissioners (ECs) as the President may from time to time fix.
• The appointment of CEC and other ECs shall be made by the
• According to the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991, the Chief Election Commissioner and the Election Commissioners hold office for a term of 6 years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.