Polling stations could have volunteers and wheelchairs whereas transportation services will likely be offered for the aged and in a different way abled voters if wanted. (PTI/File)
The ‘vote from residence’ possibility was prolonged to voters who wanted the power in current Meeting elections in a number of states however that is the primary time it has been launched in Lok Sabha elections. The Election Fee ballot physique will likely be offering vote from residence facility for individuals who are above 85 years of age and to individuals with 40% benchmark incapacity
Every vote issues. Taking these phrases to coronary heart, the the Election Fee of India has got down to guarantee each eligible voter within the nation will get to train their franchise within the upcoming Lok Sabha elections 2024.
India’s citizens is made up of almost 97 crore registered voters – largest on the planet. The checklist has 49.7 crore males, 47.1 crore females, 82 lakh voters above the age of 85, 2.18 lakh above the age of 100, 48,000 transgender individuals, 19.1 lakh service electors, 1.8 crore first time voters and 19.74 crore younger voters.
Whereas the primary problem is to make sure everybody eligible will get on the voter checklist, the second massive job is to make sure equal participation from these voters within the elections. And the Election Fee is prepared.
Million-Plus Polling Stations
The ballot physique will arrange about 10.5 lakh polling stations within the Lok Sabha elections. In 2019, it had arrange 10.36 lakh polling stations, up from 9.28 lakh polling stations in 2014.
Talking to News18, an official stated that the rise within the variety of polling stations will guarantee all voters have a polling station close by.
“The rules state that no voter ought to be greater than 2km from a polling station. Additionally, that the variety of electors in a polling station shouldn’t exceed 1,500. So, we’re aiming for a clean election for everybody by doing our bit,” the official stated, requesting anonymity.
As many as 1.5 crore polling officers and safety workers will likely be engaged to conduct the 2024 elections. Round 55 lakh EVMs will likely be pressed into service.
‘VOTE FROM HOME’ DEBUT in LOK SABHA POLLS
The ‘vote from residence’ possibility was prolonged to voters who wanted the power in current Meeting elections in a number of states however that is the primary time it has been launched in Lok Sabha elections. Aged individuals and people with disabilities can vote from residence after following due process.
As per the EC, 82 lakh voters throughout India are above the age of 85. This contains 2.18 lakh centenarians. The voter checklist contains 88.4 lakh individuals with disabilities.
The ballot physique will likely be offering vote from residence facility for individuals who are above 85 years of age and individuals with 40% benchmark incapacity. On the identical time, it’s making certain that such voters who want to vote at polling stations have a hassle-free expertise.
Polling stations could have volunteers and wheelchairs whereas transportation services will likely be offered for the aged and in a different way abled voters if wanted.
“We stroll the additional mile, so that you don’t must,” the official stated. “Our folks journey in probably the most tough areas to make sure that even when there’s one vote, we get it. We would like folks to return out of the house to vote. We don’t need distance or difficulties to cease the voters from stepping out.”
Citing an instance, the official added that the polling staff treks tough terrain with a steep gradient of 3km for about 3.5 hours to achieve Khurched polling station in Lahaul and Spiti in Himachal Pradesh for 56 voters. The station is located at a peak of 10,603 toes.
Getting the Youth to Vote
The county has almost 20 crore younger voters within the age bracket of 20-29 and 1.8 crore first time voters aged 18-19.
The EC has been making efforts to convey out the youth in massive numbers to the polling stations. The ballot physique has been operating particular social media campaigns and has roped in celebrities to endorse voting. Selfie cubicles can even be arrange on the polling station.
Voters in Violence-Affected Areas
Voters in Manipur, which has witnessed months of ethnic violence, and people residing in camps will likely be given the power to vote from wherever they’re. Related preparations have been made in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Election Fee introduced the schedule to elect the 18th Lok Sabha on Saturday. The elections will likely be held in seven phases between April 19 and June 1. The counting of votes will happen on June 4, 2024.
