New Delhi, Oct 08 : The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Wednesday reaffirmed measures to facilitate postal voting for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwD), and service voters during the Bihar Assembly elections and bye elections in eight Assembly constituencies across six states and the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, scheduled for October 6, 2025.
Under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, electors above 85 years of age and those with benchmark disabilities can now cast their votes via postal ballot. Eligible voters can submit Form 12D to their respective Block Level Officer (BLO) within five days of the election notification. Polling teams will collect ballots directly from voters’ homes to ensure convenience and accessibility.
The ECI also extended postal ballot facilities to essential service personnel on polling day, covering departments such as Health, Fire Services, Traffic, Ambulance Services, Aviation, Electricity, and long-distance government road transport corporations. Media personnel authorized by the Commission for election coverage are included under this category.
Service voters will receive postal ballots electronically via the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) immediately after the finalization of contesting candidates. The cost of postal services will be borne by the ECI, ensuring free access for all eligible service voters.
Election officials have been directed to brief political parties and contesting candidates on these provisions to ensure smooth implementation. The ECI’s move aims to enhance participation and make voting more accessible for vulnerable groups and essential service personnel during the upcoming elections.