Srinagar, Nov 5 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that home voting for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities (PwD) voters, along with postal ballot voting, commenced on Wednesday.

The Budgam assembly constituency in Jammu and Kashmir is set to hold its elections on November 11.

According to the ECI, with the 27-Assembly Constituency Budgam preparing for Bye-Elections on November 11, the Home Voting initiative began today throughout the constituency.

“This facility was introduced to promote inclusive electoral participation, allowing qualified senior citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to cast their votes from the comfort of their homes,” the ECI stated.

The service is available for voters aged 85 years and older, as well as PwD electors with a disability benchmark of 40% or more.

“As part of this initiative, dedicated polling teams, which include Presiding Officers, polling officials, and security personnel, are visiting the homes of eligible voters to facilitate the voting process according to the guidelines set by the Election Commission of India,” the ECI noted.

The ECI received positive feedback from beneficiaries who expressed appreciation towards the Election Commission of India and the District Election Officer for providing such an accessible and citizen-friendly service.

Voters utilizing this facility expressed joy over the ability to vote from home and thanked the ECI and District Election Officer Budgam for this empowering initiative.

“The Home Voting project is a crucial step in ensuring accessibility, dignity, and inclusion in the electoral process, reaffirming the Election Commission of India's commitment to ensuring that no voter is overlooked,” the ECI emphasized.

Additionally, the postal ballot voting process commenced for the Budgam by-poll at the BDO office in Budgam, marking a significant move to ensure all eligible voters, especially those in essential services who may be unable to attend polling stations on election day, can exercise their democratic rights.

The District Election Officer (DEO) of Budgam has reiterated the commitment to ensuring a transparent and fair voting process for all eligible voters.

The DEO highlighted that the postal voting ballot facility at the BDO office is well-structured, presenting a streamlined method for employees to cast their votes and fortify democracy.

He further noted that, in line with ECI guidelines, the District administration has diligently worked to support voters in casting their votes via postal ballot while upholding the integrity of the postal ballot system.

The initiation of postal ballot voting in Budgam illustrates the inclusive participation of all employees in the electoral process. This postal ballot voting procedure will continue for three consecutive days, starting from November 5, 2025.

The Budgam District administration is committed to assisting voters and ensuring that every voice is acknowledged.

Simultaneously, employees from various essential service departments in the District have shown enthusiasm and activity in casting their votes for democracy.

The by-poll was necessitated in Budgam and Nagrota assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir following the resignation of NC vice president and chief minister, Omar Abdullah, from his seat after winning the October 2024 elections from the Ganderbal and Budgam assembly constituencies.

Furthermore, the Nagrota assembly seat became vacant following the passing of BJP MLA Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024.