POSTAL BALLOT RULE

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Picture Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/behind-opposition-postal-ballot-concern-election-commission-rule-change-in-2019-9368278/

Context: The Opposition demands the Election Commission prioritise postal ballot counting before EVM results to ensure transparency.

Background on Postal Ballot Counting Procedures

Pre-2019 Procedures

• Sequence of Counting: Until the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the counting of postal ballots was conducted first. The counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes began 30 minutes later.
• Completion Requirement: All postal ballots had to be counted before the completion of the EVM vote counting.

2019 Rule Changes

• New Guidelines: The EC's Handbook for Counting Agents (February 2019) initially maintained that the results of all rounds of EVM counting should not be announced before finalising the postal ballot counting.
• Post-2019 Procedures: After the 2019 elections, the guidelines were revised:
  • Concurrent Counting: Postal ballot counting now starts 30 minutes before EVM counting but does not need to be completed before EVM counting.
  • EVM and VVPAT Counting: EVM counting can proceed regardless of the postal ballot counting stage. Once EVM counting is complete, VVPAT slips are counted.
  • Revised Recounting Rule: The rule for recounting postal ballots was modified to mandate re-verification of rejected postal ballots if the margin of victory is less than the number of such rejected ballots.

Rationale Behind the Changes

• Increase in Postal Ballots: The introduction of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) led to a significant increase in postal ballots.
• Additional VVPAT Counting: The mandatory counting of VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling stations per Assembly constituency also contributed to the need for more streamlined procedures.

Postal Ballots

• Postal ballots allow registered voters to cast their votes via mail, eliminating the need for physical presence at polling stations.
• Eligible electors include Service Voters, Absentee Voters, Electors on Election Duty, Preventive Detainees, and Essential Services Personnel.
• The Ministry of Law and Justice has amended the Conduct of Election Rules to include Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) aged 85 and above.
• To apply, voters must submit Form 12 D to the Returning Officer (RO) of their constituency.
• The RO verifies eligibility and issues the postal ballot if requirements are met.
• The process includes receiving the postal ballot, marking the ballot, filling out the declaration form, sealing the envelope, and returning the ballot.
• Postal ballots are counted separately from votes cast at polling stations and scrutinised for validity and integrity.
• The introduction of postal ballots enhances electoral participation and highlights the commitment to democratic principles.

Source:

Indian Express

POSTAL BALLOT

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following groups: 1. Defence personnel 2. Persons with disabilities 3. Essential service workers 4. Citizens above 80 years old How many of the above groups are eligible for postal ballots in India as per the revised guidelines? A) Only one B) Only two C) Only three D) All four Answer: D