No Form-M for migrants residing at Jammu & Udhampur
Special arrangements made for migrants in Delhi & Jammu
JAMMU, AUG 23: In a significant move to facilitate voting for Kashmiri migrants, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established 24 special polling stations across Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election 2024. This initiative aims to simplify the voting process for displaced Kashmiri voters residing outside their home state.
The ECI has eliminated the need for Form-M for migrants living in Jammu and Udhampur, following a similar decision made during the recent Lok Sabha elections. Migrants residing outside these areas will still need to submit Form-M but can now self-attest the required certificate, removing the previous requirement for attestation by a Gazetted Officer.
Kashmiri migrant voters residing in relief camps in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi will cast their votes in person using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) at these designated stations. The Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, has announced that draft roll extracts mapping migrants to their respective polling stations will be published soon, with a 7-day window for any corrections.
For those outside Jammu and Udhampur, self-certification of Form-M is now permitted. Migrants must notify their details to the relevant authorities in Jammu, Udhampur, Delhi, or New Delhi using the prescribed Form-M.
Polling stations :
Jammu: 19 polling stations have been established at various locations including Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar; Indian Institute of Management, Canal Road; North Zonal Accountancy Training Institute, Muthi; and others.
Udhampur: One polling station is set up at Government ITI, Udhampur.
Delhi: Four special polling booths are available at J&K House, Prithviraj Road; Office of Deputy Director, Horticulture, Shalimar Bagh; Arwachin International School, Dilshad Garden; and Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Paprawat.
Postal Ballot option :
Migrants who prefer not to vote in person can opt for postal ballots. Applications for postal ballots can be made using Form 12C, available from the offices of Assistant Returning Officers or downloaded from the ECI website.
Election Phases: The Assembly Election 2024 will be conducted in three phases:
Sept 18: 16 constituencies in Kashmir, including Pampore, Tral, and Pulwama.
Sept 25: 15 constituencies in Kashmir, including Kangan, Ganderbal, and Hazratbal.
Oct 1: 16 constituencies in Kashmir, including Karnah, Trehgam, and Kupwara.
