New Delhi : The Election Commission of India on March 15, 2026, unveiled the schedule for the Legislative Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal, along with bye-elections in six other states.
As per the announced schedule, voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry will be held on April 9, 2026.
In a continued effort to make the electoral process more inclusive, the Commission is offering the option of home voting to senior citizens aged 85 years and above, as well as Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) identified in the electoral rolls. This facility, provided under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allows eligible voters to cast their ballots through postal voting.
Electors wishing to avail themselves of this सुविधा are required to submit their application to the respective Returning Officer within five days of the election notification.
So far, more than 2.37 lakh voters across Kerala, Assam, and Puducherry have been approved by Returning Officers to use the home voting option, reflecting growing participation among elderly and differently-abled citizens.
ECI Ensures Transparent and Inclusive Home Voting Process for Elderly and PwD Voters
The Election Commission of India has put in place a comprehensive mechanism to facilitate home voting for eligible electors, ensuring both convenience and transparency in the electoral process.
Voters opting for this facility are informed in advance about the schedule, following which a team of polling officials visits their residence to collect votes through postal ballots. The home voting exercise has already begun across various constituencies in Kerala, Assam and Puducherry, and is scheduled to conclude by April 5. In cases where voters are unavailable during the first visit, a second visit is arranged.
To maintain transparency, polling teams are accompanied by a videographer and police personnel, and the entire process is recorded while strictly ensuring the secrecy of the vote.
Recognised political parties are provided with details of electors availing the home voting option. Candidates are also informed in advance about the visit schedule, and they may nominate representatives to observe the process after submitting the required form to the Returning Officer.
Meanwhile, eligible voters who have not opted for home voting will be provided with extensive support at polling stations, including wheelchairs, volunteers, and other necessary assistance, to ensure a smooth and accessible voting experience.