The Election Commission has announced an expansion of postal voting eligibility ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled for April 23 in Tamil Nadu and other states. The decision aims to make voting more accessible for those unable to cast their ballots in person on polling day.
Under the revised guidelines, an additional five groups of government employees will now be eligible to use postal ballots during the election. These include workers from the State Transport Corporations, Electricity Boards, Transport Police, Prison Department personnel, and Fire Services staff.
The Election Commission’s move recognises the challenges faced by essential service workers who are likely to be on duty on polling day. The expanded list also includes accredited journalists authorised by the Commission, allowing them to vote by post as absentee voters.
Postal ballot provisions continue to be available for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, service voters, and other eligible absentee electors. Voters who qualify must submit Form 12D to their Booth Level Officers within the stipulated deadlines to receive postal ballots.
The expanded eligibility is part of broader efforts to ensure wider participation in the democratic process by accommodating voters who may otherwise find it difficult to cast their votes in person.