DW BUREAU
Haryana Chief Electoral Officer, Sh. Pankaj Agarwal said that the Election Commission of India has made provisions for Divyang (Persons with Disability) voters and those over the age of 85 years to cast their votes from some as well, ensuring their participation in the democratic process. This facility is optional, and such voters can also choose to vote at the polling station if they prefer.

Pankaj Agarwal emphasised that every voter should exercise their right to vote in a democracy. Just like any other voter, Divyang individuals and those above 85 years of age should also exercise their right to vote. Therefore, this special facility has been made for them.

The Chief Electoral Officer stated that general elections, which occur once every five years, should be celebrated as a festival by every citizen. In Haryana, voting for the general elections of the Legislative Assembly will take place on October 5, 2024, and every voter should contribute to it by casting their vote.

To avail the facility of the home voting, Divyang voters and those over the age of 85 need to fill out Form 12-D and submit it to the Returning Officer within five days of the election notification (September 5, 2024). Apart from this, Divyang voters must submit a copy of their disability certificate of more than 40 percent and should also be marked in the electoral roll, added the Chief Electoral Officer.

He further stated that BLOs would collect Form 12-D from such voters' homes and also a list of these voters will also be provided to the candidates so that they can appoint representatives to monitor the home voting process.
(editor@dailyworld.in)