PANAJI
Mamlatdars have directed polling officers to complete the home ballot for elderly citizens and persons with disabilities before sunset after some polling officers were found conducting the process till Sunday night.
“Due to lengthy procedures, the home ballot took an average of 30 minutes for each voter and it took us till 9 pm on Sunday for around 12 voters,” said a block-level officer.
Another block level officer said Mamlatdars had directed all polling officers to complete the process before sunset.
The voting at home under the home ballot system has been completed in many parts of the State but the exact number of voting figures could not be obtained and the North Goa collector was not available for comments.
The new ballot system has been introduced for absentee voters in the category of senior citizens (above 80 years), persons with disabilities (PwDs) flagged in the electoral roll and Covid-19 suspect or affected persons, for compliance in all future elections.
The process of voting through ballot at homes of senior citizens and PwDs began in the State on Sunday.
According to sources, the polling staff had to spend considerable time verifying a voter’s information and completing the paperwork, setting a cardboard for secrecy, etc.
A videographer, a micro-observer and even a candidate’s representative were also assigned, which turned into a time-consuming process, sources added.
“We have to follow certain procedures and do everything correctly. It takes time and there cannot be a rush,” said a polling staff.
The home ballot process is expected to continue till February 12.
