ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA’S INITIATIVES FOR ACCESSIBLE VOTING

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched several initiatives to ensure accessible voting for all citizens with a special focus on elderly voters and persons with disabilities (PWD). ECI's motto, "Leave no voter behind", highlights its commitment to inclusive and accessible elections.

Voting from Home for Elderly and PwDs:

1. ECI has announced that voters above 85 years of age and PwDs with 40 per cent benchmark disability can vote from home.
2. The initiative aims to make the voting process more convenient and accessible for these groups of voters who may face difficulties in reaching polling stations.

Important Facts: ECI has also introduced Braille Ballot Papers and Braille Voter ID Cards to assist visually impaired voters. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, ECI set up more than 7,000 model polling stations across the country.

Volunteers and Wheelchairs at Polling Stations:

1. To make accessible voting more convenient, ECI has mandated the availability of volunteers and wheelchairs at every polling station.
2. These volunteers will assist elderly voters and people with disabilities to reach the polling booth and cast their vote.
3. The provision of wheelchairs ensures that voters with mobility issues can exercise their right to vote without any hindrance.

Transport Facilities for PwDs and Elderly:

1. The ECI is arranging transportation facilities to help physically disabled and elderly voters reach polling stations.
2. The initiative aims to remove barriers to voting that may arise due to lack of transportation or mobility issues.

Saksham App for PwDs:

1. The ECI has launched the Saksham App to facilitate easier voting for PwDs and to help them avail facilities at polling stations.

1. Saksham App has been developed in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.

2. The app provides information on accessible polling stations, available facilities, and assistance for PwDs.

Assured Minimum Facilities (AMF) in Schools:

1. ECI is pushing for permanent assured minimum facilities (AMF) in schools as a gift of the election process to students.
2. AMF includes drinking water, toilets, signage, ramps for wheelchairs, helpdesk, voter convenience centre, adequate lighting and sheds.
3. This initiative will not only benefit students but will also make schools more accessible to voters during elections.

Know Your Candidate (KYC) App:

1. In addition to the accessible voting initiative, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Know Your Candidate (KYC) app to enable voters to get information about candidates' criminal records, assets and liabilities.
2. This app promotes transparency and helps voters make informed decisions while casting their votes.

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