Udaipur, 07.03.24 - To ensure the active participation of elderly citizens in the democratic process for the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha General Elections the Election Commission of India has came up with a new initiative named  as 'Home Voting' . However, unlike the Assembly Elections there's a significant change this time as the eligibility criteria for home voting  facility has been extended to those aged over 85 from 80 years.

The government in consultation with the Election Commission amended the Conduct of Election Rules 1961 to raise the minimum age for senior citizens eligible for voting through Postal Ballot to 85 years from 80 years. 

The provisions for this new initiative has been provided in the recent notification issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice. According to the notification, after consulting with the Election Commission of India, a partial modification has been enacted on Rule 27 of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, resulting in a revised title for these regulations known as the Conduct of Elections (Amendment) Rules, 2024. The setup has been put in place to allow individuals aging  85 years and above to cast their votes from home, replacing the previous age criterion of 80 years.

Notably the trial of home voting arrangements was first conducted during the  State Legislative Elections held in November 2023.The Ministry first came up with the idea keeping in view elderly people the those who are specially challenged, They always wanted to cast their votes but have compromise to do so following their health issues and their physical disabilities.