It is welcome news that the Election Commission has ensured voting at home for those over 80 years. I think this is one of a kind move and the first to be implemented in a small State like Goa which will surely become a regular feature in future across the country.
The process is, first the consent of the voter is taken and later the date is informed to the voter. The process starts at 10 am and it is mandatory for the team to cover 20 people a day.
Velim has 9 teams that will cover the constituency in 4 days. The Team consists of BLO and 3 officials to complete voting procedure. As in the booth, an armed guard and a videographer, cardboard box for secrecy of the voter is also provided. The representatives of party candidates also witness and sign the sealing procedure.
This procedure is a welcome relief especially to senior voters that they are considered important and candidates too can benefit from otherwise non-participating voters.
It is however, not clear whether these votes will be a part of counting of votes cast or utilised to settle only in case of a tie, which in case will be an exercise in futility considering the planning and expenditure involved.
Govt is indicating that voting is a right to be exercised and is facilitating it by providing opportunity at home to senior citizens.
Like voting, hope the government will also provide at least few essential services at the residence to this category of citizens.
