More than 4,000 voters opt for ‘home voting’ in 1st phase of polling in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: More than 4,000 voters have opted for “home voting” in first phase of dual elections in Odisha scheduled on May 13.

For the first time in the history of election process in the country, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced the facility of home voting for the voters who cannot come to the polling booth on the election day. As per the Commission’s guidelines, senior voters of more than 85 years and those with more than 40% physically disability can participate in the home voting.

Under the provision, such voters can come to the polling booth in the vehicle to be provided by the local administration or opt for home voting.

As per the Commission’s direction, total 4,158 voters have opted for home voting in first phase of voting in Odisha. They include 2,196 senior voters of more than 85 years and 1,962 are physically challenged with more than 40% disability, according to official sources.

In the first phase, polling will be conducted in four Lok Sabha constituencies of Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Berhampur. The voters of 28 Assembly segments under these Parliamentary constituencies have opted for home voting.

Chief electoral officer Nikunja Bihari Dhal has congratulated the voters for opting for home voting which will be conducted for the first time in the state.