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While elections try to ensure everyone votes, it is not possible for many to reach their hometowns. Postal ballots allow them to vote from wherever they are
When the result of the election comes by a very close margin, then counting of postal ballots become important in the next election. (PTI File)
The counting of votes for the assembly elections held in Maharashtra and Jharkhand is underway. The BJP-led Mahayuti touched the 200-seat mark in the 288-seated Maharashtra Assembly Elections, while in Jharkhand, the Hemant Soren-led INDIA bloc crossed the halfway mark and widened its lead as counting progressed on Saturday at 10 am.
The counting of postal ballots takes precedence whenever votes are counted as per standard procedure. Let us understand what postal ballots are, how does one cast a vote through them, who is eligible to do so and why are they counted before electronically registered votes.
During elections, every effort is made to maximise voter turnout. However, many citizens are unable to return to their registered constituencies on voting day. To enfranchise these individuals, provisions exist for casting votes from locations other than their hometowns. This solution takes the form of postal ballots.
Among the most prominent of those who are not able to vote in elections are soldiers stationed at the country’s borders. Whether or not there is a war, soldiers are often unable to travel to their hometowns to vote. The concept of postal ballots was designed with this in mind, and they are frequently the primary means by which soldiers cast their votes.
In addition to soldiers, postal ballots are also utilised by government employees, police, and security personnel involved in election duties. These individuals are unable to cast their votes in their designated constituencies. Given their significant numbers in a country like India, postal ballot facilities are extended to them. A similar provision exists for government officials posted abroad or away from their hometowns.
What Is A Postal Ballot?
The Election Commission determines in advance the number of individuals eligible to receive postal ballots and the process for their distribution. Designated individuals are then sent a postal ballot paper, a specially designed ballot for remote voting. This system is known as the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS). Citizens receiving these ballots can mark their preferred candidate and return the completed form to the Election Commission either electronically or by post.
What Is The Rule In The Case Of Prisoners?
Under Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, individuals in lawful police custody and those serving a prison sentence after conviction cannot vote. Within this system, a person held in preventive detention can still vote by postal ballot. However, it is crucial to remember that prisoners do not have the right to vote.
Read: ECI Jharkhand Election Result 2024 Live Update: INDIA Bloc Makes Big Gain, Leading In 50 Of 81 Seats
Who Needs To Register
At the same time, certain individuals may only be eligible to vote after registering. This includes disabled persons who are unable to reach the polling booth and elderly people over 80 years of age. It is essential for these individuals to have already registered for postal ballots.
Why Are Postal Ballots Counted First
The Election Commission, by amending Section 23 in Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, allows people to cast their votes in elections using postal ballots. During the counting of votes in elections, the counting of postal ballots starts first. After this, the votes recorded in the EVM are counted.
The number of postal ballots is less and these are paper ballots, so their counting is also done easily. This is why they are counted first.
When the result of the election comes by a very close margin, then postal ballots become important in the next election. In the year 2018, it affected the decision of victory or defeat in about 10 seats in Madhya Pradesh. Most of them (especially in state government elections) are government employees. In such a situation, the policies of government employees or announcements related to them also have an impact.
- Location :
Maharashtra, India