Postal ballot

Subject: Polity

Context:

Union government has introduced a new category of ‘absentee voters’, who can now also opt for postal voting.

Concept:

• In October last year, Law Ministry amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, to extend the facility of postal ballots to people who are unable to cast their vote because of service conditions.
• On June 19, the ministry notified a fresh change in the rules, allowing those aged 65 years and above and COVID 19 suspect or affected persons to opt for postal ballot.
• These people can choose to vote through postal ballot by filling up Form 12D and submitting it to the nodal officer within five days of notification of an election.