Gangtok, April 15 (IPR): In the second phase of Home Voting Facility in Gangtok district, a total of 4 votes were cast through Home Voting as of April 14, 2024. This adds to the 391 votes cast during the first phase, bringing the cumulative number of votes to 395 out of the 411 registered individuals (85+ and PWD) who had opted for the initiative.
The Election Commission of India has introduced the "Vote-from-Home" (VfH) option through postal ballots, which has significantly enhanced the inclusivity and accessibility of the voting process for two specific groups: citizens aged 85 years and above, and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) who have a benchmark disability of 40% or higher. This initiative allows eligible voters to exercise their inherent right to vote ensuring they actively participate in the electoral process without facing barriers associated with age or disability.
The following are the constituency-wise data of Home Voting:
16 Tumen-Lingi (BL)
Senior Citizen(85+): 49
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 54
17 Khamdong-Singtam
Senior Citizen(85+): 29
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 29
23 Shyari (BL)
Senior Citizen(85+): 27
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 19
24 Martam-Rumtek(BL)
Senior Citizen(85+): 62
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 23
25 Upper Tadong
Senior Citizen(85+): 25
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 13
26 Arithang
Senior Citizen(85+): 08
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 05
27 Gangtok (BL)
Senior Citizen(85+): 12
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 02
28 Upper Burtuk
Senior Citizen(85+): 20
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): 17
32 Sangha
Senior Citizen(85+): 01
Persons with Disabilities(PwD): NIL