Maharashtra Election 2024: Senior Citizens Can Now Vote from Home

Maharashtra Election 2024: Senior Citizens Can Now Vote from Home

The Election Commission of India has made a landmark announcement ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, scheduled to be held in a single phase. For the first time, senior citizens above the age of 85 will have the option to vote from the comfort of their homes, a move aimed at making the electoral process more inclusive and accessible. This is part of a series of measures the Election Commission has rolled out to ensure that the voting process is smooth and convenient for all voters, especially the elderly and vulnerable sections of society.

Senior Citizens Voting from Home: A New Initiative

In an effort to boost participation and convenience for senior citizens, the Election Commission has introduced a home voting system for people aged 85 and above. A dedicated team will visit the homes of eligible voters to assist them with filling out the necessary forms. Additionally, the team will provide a route chart to the candidates, ensuring transparency and accessibility. The entire process will be meticulously recorded through videography to maintain a complete record of voting activities.

This initiative aims to enhance voting participation among elderly citizens who may find it difficult to visit polling booths. The Commission has assured that all steps will be taken to ensure the process is secure, transparent, and in line with electoral norms.

Election Schedule Announced

The Election Commission has released the official schedule for the upcoming Maharashtra and Jharkhand assembly elections. The election notification will be issued on October 22, and candidates can file their nomination forms until October 29. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is November 4. Voting is set to take place on November 20, with the counting of votes scheduled for November 23.

Maharashtra’s Massive Voter Base

Maharashtra boasts over 9.65 crore registered voters, reflecting the sheer scale of the upcoming election. Of these, 4.97 crore are male voters, 4.66 crore are female voters, and 1.85 crore are classified as youth voters. Additionally, there are 29.93 lakh new voters who have recently been added to the rolls.

To accommodate the massive voter turnout, the Election Commission has set up 1,18,186 polling booths across the state. Special arrangements, including chairs and benches, will be provided for voters standing in long queues at polling stations. These measures aim to ensure that the voting process is not only efficient but also comfortable, particularly for elderly citizens.

Ensuring Free and Fair Elections

The Election Commission has issued strict guidelines to ensure that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner, without any intimidation or coercion. Special vigilance teams will be deployed across the state, monitoring airports, check posts, and key locations to prevent any illegal activities, such as the distribution of money, drugs, or liquor to influence voters.

The Commission has also clarified that while strict monitoring will be enforced, it should not result in harassment of the general public. To ensure smooth election operations, multiple teams, including excise officers and other officials, will be stationed at various checkpoints, conducting round-the-clock surveillance.

Key Takeaways

• Senior Citizens Voting from Home: Eligible voters above the age of 85 can vote from their homes.
• Election Dates: Voting on November 20, with results on November 23.
• Polling Stations: 1,18,186 polling booths will be set up across Maharashtra.
• Voter Demographics: Over 9.65 crore voters, including 4.97 crore men and 4.66 crore women.

The Election Commission’s commitment to improving the voting process, particularly for senior citizens, reflects its ongoing efforts to make elections accessible to all, ensuring that no voter is left behind.