Tue Mar 31 13:53:32 UTC 2026: ### Headline: Puducherry Elections: Home Voting Commences for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities
The Story:
The Election Department in Puducherry has initiated home voting for the April 9, 2026 Assembly elections, catering to electors above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). This initiative, directed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), aims to facilitate voting for vulnerable populations. The process involves polling officials visiting the residences of eligible voters, ensuring transparency through video recording and police security.
Key Points:
- 2,066 electors above 85 years and 1,621 PwDs in Puducherry are eligible for home voting.
- 34.31% of eligible senior citizens and 11.6% of PwD voters in Puducherry have been approved for home voting.
- Home voting has commenced and will be completed by April 5, 2026.
- The process includes a videographer and police security to ensure transparency and secrecy.
- Candidates can depute representatives to accompany the polling teams after notifying the Returning Officer.
- Those eligible who do not opt for home voting will be provided with facilities at polling stations.
Key Takeaways:
- The ECI is actively working to increase voter participation among vulnerable populations.
- Transparency measures, such as video recording, are being implemented to maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
- Political parties are given the opportunity to oversee the home voting process, ensuring fairness.
- This move reflects an effort to make elections more accessible and inclusive.
First Piper 