As the Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency prepares for the upcoming polls on May 13 this month, the home voting process has commenced in three assembly segments of Budgam district, which fall under the Srinagar Parliament constituency.
These assembly segments are Khansahib, Charar-i-Sharief, and Chadoora. The Srinagar Parliamentary Constituency will hold elections on May 13 as part of the fourth phase of the LokSabha Elections-2024.
District Election Officer (DEO) of Budgam, AkshayLabroo told the Rising Kashmir the Election Commission of India has introduced the facility of home voting for the first time. Poll parties, along with voting facilities, have been dispatched to the houses of eligible voters to enable them to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes.
“The facility of home voting is available to elderly citizens above 85 years of age and specially abled persons (PwDs) who meet the 40 percent disability criteria and have opted for the home voting facility.”
DEO Budgam further explained that the home voting process involves a dedicated team of polling officials, including the presiding officer, security personnel, and other poll parties. They collect the votes of eligible voters following the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India.
“The home voting process started on May 7 and will continue until May 9. During this time, all eligible voters above 85 years of age and specially abled persons (PwDs) who meet the 40 percent disability criteria will cast their votes in the three assembly constituencies which fall under the Srinagar Parliament constituency. This process will also continue for the next two days, ensuring that all eligible voters are covered and able to vote from their doorsteps,” Labroo said.
Labroo said “we have received a positive feedback from the voters, who appreciate the Election Commission for bringing the voting process to their doorsteps and providing them with such a convenient facility at home”.
He said that the commencement of postal ballot voting took place in Budgam, signifying a significant milestone in ensuring that all eligible voters, particularly employees in essential services who may be unable to physically go to polling stations on election day, have the opportunity to exercise their democratic rights.
“The establishment of the postal ballot voting facilitation center at Boys Higher Secondary School Budgam has been well-organized, providing a streamlined process for essential duty employees to cast their votes and strengthen democracy,” Labroo said.
The District Election Officer (DEO) said that the voting period at the Postal Voting Centre continues for three consecutive days for the segments falling under Srinagar Parliamentary constituency ie, May 7, 8and 9.
Meanwhile, the employees from essential service departments in the District were observed actively and enthusiastically participating in casting their votes.
