J&K: Postal voting center set up for essential service workers in Srinagar

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], September 20 (ANI): A postal voting center has been established for three days at Srinagar’s Gandhi Memorial College for all eligible voters employed in essential services, following the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) motto of “No voter to be left behind.”

The voting process was conducted with stringent security measures and strict adherence to ECI guidelines on Friday.

The ECI’s postal ballot initiative has provided a convenient and accessible option for employees in essential services to vote, symbolising inclusivity. It enables these workers to fulfill their civic duties without needing to be physically present at polling stations on the designated election day.

While speaking to ANI, Gulam Jeelani Zargar, the Returning Officer of the 21 Habbakadal Assembly Constituency, said, “The ECI has a slogan, ‘Every Vote Counts.’ In this context, the Election Commission is making every effort, with clear directives, to ensure that no vote is missed. There are some employees in essential services–doctors scheduled to perform surgeries on the election day, or police and security forces personnel who cannot be present. For them, we have a postal ballot system. We either send them the ballot through our officers, and they cast their vote and return it to us, or we provide a postal voting center for their convenience.”

“We first compile their list, and then they fill out the voting form. The scheduled voting day in Srinagar is on the 25th. However, we have made arrangements for voting on the 19th, 20th, and 21st for those who opted for postal ballots. They can come here and cast their votes before the scheduled polling day. We have a total of 20 voters, and so far, eight have already cast their votes,” he said.

“The Election Commission’s guidelines state that CCTV cameras must be installed at every polling station. Inside, we have set up a separate secret compartment where voters can cast their ballots privately. It is a completely confidential process, allowing voters to select their preferred candidate in the same manner as regular voting. Instead of using EVMs, we vote through postal ballots here,” he added.

Abdul Majeed Naik, a voter employed in essential services, appreciated the ECI’s efforts.

“I am thankful to the Police Department and the Election Commission for giving me the opportunity to cast my vote before the scheduled polling day. Being in the police force, we are on 24-hour duty and may not be able to vote on election day. Therefore, we are very grateful to the Election Commission for this provision. I have cast my vote hoping that the new government will address our concerns,” Naik told ANI.

Jammu and Kashmir is voting for its 90-member assembly in three phases. The first phase of voting took place on September 18, with the remaining two rounds scheduled for September 25 and October 1. Counting will be held on October 8.

These elections, the first since the abrogation of Article 370, are being held after nearly a decade in the Union Territory.