J&K: Election Commission launches home voting process in Udhampur to accommodate elderly & disabled voters

Udhampur (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 25 (ANI): To accommodate elderly and disabled voters, Election Commission of India has launched the home voting process in Udhampur district, ahead of third phase of 1 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election’s scheduled for October 1.

This initiative, designed to accommodate elderly and disabled voters unable to reach polling stations, commenced on Monday and will conclude tomorrow. On the first day, approximately 115 senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWD) are expected to cast their votes.

Among them was 92-year-old Bishan Das Gupta, a resident of Sallain Talab ward number 14, who expressed joy at being able to vote from home and appealed to others to participate in the democratic process.

District Election Officer Saloni Rai confirmed that home voting has begun across all four constituencies of Udhampur, emphasising strict adherence to Election Commission guidelines to ensure secrecy, transparency, and fairness.

About 40 polling teams, accompanied by security forces, have been deployed to facilitate this door-to-door voting process, enabling eligible voters to exercise their franchise from the comfort of their homes.

Meanwhile, ahead of the second phase of assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir on September 25, the polling parties of Srinagar collected their electronic voting machines (EVMS) and dispatched for their respective polling stations on Tuesday.

Khalid Hussain Malik, returning officer of Zadibal Constituency said that the Election Commission of India in this assembly polls have stressed on the welfare of the polling parties and several kind of facilities shave been provided to them. He also informed that there are around 143 polling stations in Zadibal Constituency, making it the largest assembly constituency in the Srinagar district.

Speaking to ANI, Dr Khalid Hussain Malik said, “EVMs and materials are being distributed. All poll parties have reached here. I think all poll parties will leave from here within the next 2 hours. There are 143 polling stations are there in Zadibal Constituency, it’s the largest constituency in Srinagar district. I think we will leave sector-wise after 12 pm.

Our formation will be sector-wise, which will consist of sector magistrates, sector police officials, zonal magistrates, zonal officers, etc. This time ECI have stressed on the welfare of the polling parties. Their bedding, lunch and dinner will also reach before them…. Additionally, refreshments will be given… overall, all welfare things have been taken care of…”