Alternative voting methods in India

In India, several alternative voting methods are available to ensure that all eligible citizens can exercise their democratic rights, regardless of their circumstances. Read here to learn more.

These methods are designed to accommodate various needs, such as those of armed forces personnel, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and voters who might be away from their home constituencies during elections.

Alternative voting methods available to citizens of India

India’s electoral framework allows certain categories of voters to exercise their franchise even if they are unable to make it to the polling station on the day of voting.

Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs)

• EVMs are used in polling stations to facilitate quick and accurate voting.
• Voters press a button next to the candidate’s name and symbol to cast their vote.
• This reduces the possibility of invalid votes, speeds up the counting process, and enhances security.

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)

• VVPAT machines are used alongside EVMs to provide a paper trail of votes cast.
• After voting on an EVM, a paper slip showing the vote cast is generated, which the voter can verify before it drops into a sealed box.
• This adds transparency and allows for verification and auditing of votes.

Postal Ballots

Postal ballots allow certain voters to cast their votes by post.

Eligible Groups:

As per Rule 18 of The Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, certain classes of persons are entitled to vote by postal ballot in Indian elections. Here are the specific categories of individuals who can avail themselves of postal ballots:

1. Service Voters

• Members of the Armed Forces and other specified security forces, as well as their spouses.
• Included Forces:
  • Army
  • Navy
  • Air Force
  • Armed Police Force of a State, serving outside the state
  • Personnel of other security forces notified by the Election Commission of India (ECI)

2. Voters on Election Duty

• Government employees and staff on election duty who cannot vote at their designated polling stations.
• Included Personnel:
  • Officers and staff of the government assigned to perform election duties
  • Members of polling parties
  • Police personnel assigned to election duties

3. Persons under Preventive Detention

• Individuals who are in preventive detention during the time of elections.

4. Special Voters

• Voters in special categories as notified by the Election Commission, which may include government officials on assignment outside the country.

5. Persons with Disabilities (PWD) and Senior Citizens

• Senior citizens above the age of 80 and persons with disabilities.
• Included Individuals:
  • Voters who are registered as persons with disabilities in the electoral roll
  • Voters who are above the age of 80 years

6. Absentee Voters (For certain elections)

• Voters who cannot be physically present at their polling stations due to specific reasons as notified by the Election Commission.
• Included Categories:
  • Voters engaged in essential services
  • Persons under medical care who cannot travel to polling stations

Process: Eligible voters receive ballot papers by post, mark their votes, and send them back to the election authorities.

Proxy Voting

• Proxy voting allows a designated individual to vote on behalf of a voter.
• Eligible Groups: Primarily introduced for armed forces personnel.
• Process: The voter appoints a proxy who votes on their behalf at the designated polling station.

Advance Voting

• Advance voting allows voters to cast their votes before the official election day.
• Purpose: Facilitates voting for those who may not be able to vote on election day.
• Process: Voting is conducted at designated polling centres on dates before the official election day.

Early Voting

• Similar to advance voting, early voting provides additional days for voters to cast their ballots.
• Purpose: Increases voter turnout by providing more opportunities to vote.
• Process: Polling stations are open for voting for several days before the official election day.

Mobile Voting Booths

• Mobile polling stations are set up to reach voters in remote or inaccessible areas.
• Purpose: Ensures all eligible voters, especially those in remote locations, can cast their votes.

Voting for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs)

• Current Status: NRIs can currently vote in their respective constituencies in India.
• Proposed Changes: Discussions are ongoing about allowing NRIs to vote via postal ballots or online voting to increase their participation without requiring travel back to India.

Braille EVMs for Visually Impaired Voters

• EVMs equipped with Braille numerals to assist visually impaired voters.
• Purpose: Ensures that visually impaired voters can vote independently and confidentially.

Remote Voting for Migrant Workers

• Proposed Method: Special arrangements like postal ballots or online voting to enable internal migrant workers to vote without travelling back to their home constituencies.
• Purpose: Addresses the issue of low voter turnout among migrant workers who are away from their registered voting locations.

Home voting

• This method is for over 81 lakh 85+ aged voters and 90 lakh PwD voters are registered in the electoral roll nationwide.
• Process: For absentee voters in the category of senior citizens (AVSC) and PWDs over 85, and COVID-19 suspect/positive, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) deliver Form 12D and compulsorily obtain acknowledgements from them.

Advantages of alternative voting methods

Increased Accessibility

• Remote Voters: Methods like postal ballots and proxy voting enable people who are away from their home constituencies, such as military personnel and NRIs, to participate in elections.
• Persons with Disabilities (PWD): Alternative methods like postal ballots and Braille EVMs make it easier for PWDs to vote independently and securely.
• Senior Citizens: Postal voting and advance voting facilitate participation for elderly voters who may find it challenging to visit polling stations.

Enhanced Convenience

• Advance and Early Voting: These methods allow voters to cast their ballots before the official election day, reducing congestion at polling stations and making voting more convenient.
• Mobile Voting Booths: These can be deployed in remote or underserved areas, ensuring that voters who live far from fixed polling stations can still vote.

Improved Voter Turnout

• Flexible Voting Options: Providing multiple voting options, such as postal ballots, early voting, and online voting (if implemented securely), can lead to higher voter turnout by making it easier for people to vote.
• Reduced Waiting Times: Spreading voting over multiple days or providing alternative locations can reduce queues and waiting times at polling stations.

Better Security and Accuracy

• Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs): EVMs reduce the incidence of invalid or miscounted votes and can speed up the counting process, minimizing human error.
• Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): Provides a physical verification of the electronic vote, enhancing transparency and trust in the voting process.

Cost-Effectiveness

• Reduced Election Day Costs: Methods like advance and early voting can spread out the costs associated with managing polling stations and staff, reducing the financial burden on a single day.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: Using technology in voting processes can streamline operations and reduce the need for physical materials, such as paper ballots.

Increased Participation from Special Groups

• Service Voters: Postal ballots and proxy voting ensure that service members stationed away from their home constituencies can still vote.
• NRIs and Migrant Workers: Providing postal voting or potential future online voting options can engage these groups more effectively, ensuring their participation in the democratic process.

Adaptability to Emergencies

• Pandemics and Natural Disasters: Alternative methods like postal and online voting can ensure that elections proceed smoothly even during emergencies when in-person voting might be risky or impractical.

Promotion of Democratic Values

• Inclusivity: Alternative voting methods help ensure that all eligible citizens, regardless of their circumstances, can participate in elections, reinforcing the democratic principle of universal suffrage.
• Fairness: Providing various options to cast a vote ensures that no group is disadvantaged due to logistical or physical barriers.

Disqualification from the voting process

Disqualification from the voting process in India can occur for several reasons as outlined by the Constitution of India, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and other relevant laws.

Non-Eligibility as per Age

• Individuals below the age of 18 are not eligible to vote. The minimum age for voting in India is 18 years as per Article 326 of the Indian Constitution.

Non-Citizenship

• Only Indian citizens are eligible to vote in elections. Non-citizens, including foreign nationals, are disqualified from voting.

Non-Residence

• Voters must be residents of the constituency in which they are registered. If an individual does not reside in the constituency, they cannot vote in that constituency unless they are service voters or fall under special categories as defined by the Election Commission.

Unsound Mind

• Legal Declaration: Individuals who have been declared of unsound mind by a competent court and therefore unfit to vote are disqualified. This disqualification continues as long as the declaration stands.

Disqualification Due to Criminal Offenses

• Imprisonment and Criminal Convictions: Persons who have been convicted of certain criminal offences and are currently serving a sentence of imprisonment are disqualified from voting.
  • Period of Disqualification: This disqualification extends while the person is in prison and typically continues for a specified period after their release, depending on the severity of the crime and the sentence.
  • Exception: Individuals under preventive detention are eligible to vote by postal ballot.

Corrupt Practices and Electoral Offenses

• Involvement in Electoral Malpractices: Individuals found guilty of corrupt practices or electoral offences, such as bribery, undue influence, or impersonation, may be disqualified from voting.
  • Judicial Decision: The disqualification is usually based on a judicial decision and can last for a specified period as determined by the court or the Election Commission.

Disqualification under the Representation of the People Act, 1951

• Specific Provisions: The Representation of the People Act, 1951, outlines various grounds for disqualification, including:
  • Holding an office of profit under the government.
  • Being of unsound mind or insolvent.
  • Conviction for certain offences and crimes, including those related to electoral malpractices.

Failure to File Election Expenses

• Candidates who fail to file their election expenses within the stipulated time frame, or provide false information regarding their expenses, may be disqualified from voting or contesting future elections.

Conclusion

India offers a range of alternative voting methods to ensure broad participation in the electoral process.

These methods cater to different groups of voters, including those who may not be able to vote in person on election day.

By leveraging these alternatives, India aims to enhance voter turnout and ensure that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to exercise their right to vote.

Continuous improvements and innovations in voting methods are crucial to addressing the challenges and ensuring a fair and inclusive electoral process.

Also read: Electoral reforms in India; Proportional Representation

-Article by Swathi Satish