Home polling stations leave elderly voters in awe

Srinagar, May 14: Elderly voters in North Kashmir expressed their appreciation for the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) decision to introduce home voting in the North Kashmir Parliament constituency. The move was hailed as a significant step towards inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.
Haji Ghulam Mohammed (90) from Nagranar Village in Handwara expressed his amazement at the government’s initiative to bring polling stations to their doorsteps. Initially hesitant to vote due to health concerns, he lauded the ECI’s effort, which enabled him to exercise his democratic right from the comfort of his home.
According to ADC Handwara Aziz Ahmed, 99 voters were identified for home voting in Assembly segment 5 Handwara. Of these, 98 successfully cast their votes in ballot boxes, with one unfortunate voter passing away before polling day. Ahmed expressed satisfaction at the resounding success of the initiative, emphasizing its reach to all identified home voters, including those with disabilities.
Among the beneficiaries was a bedridden woman who, despite her illness, was able to participate in the electoral process through the ballot box. Family members praised the ECI’s initiative for granting her the opportunity to cast her vote despite her inability to leave her bed.
Echoing similar sentiments, other elderly voters expressed gratitude for the unprecedented facilities provided during this election. They expressed hope that their votes would contribute to the development of the Kashmir Valley and generate employment opportunities for future generations.
An elderly voter from Bagatpora, Handwara, emphasized the importance of the administration’s efforts in creating voter-friendly facilities. He expressed optimism that the government would extend similar attention to addressing the issue of unemployment among local youth.