The Election Commission has introduced a convenient Home Voting option through the utilization of Form 12D, commonly known as the Postal Ballot, for specific categories of eligible voters. This includes individuals aged 80 and above, as well as those with a physical disability of more than 40%. Moreover, the Postal Ballot option is now accessible to approved members of the media and government employees falling within specific categories. Eligible voters have the opportunity to submit their applications for this option until November 4, 2023. 

Voting from Home is Entirely Optional

If a voter prefers, they can vote directly at the polling booth without the need for Form 12D. Once the application is submitted, postal ballots are provided, and the voter's name on the voter list is marked with "PB." Subsequently, eligible senior citizens and differently-abled voters designated for postal voting will be notified by the election team. The notification will specify the date and time when election officials will visit their homes to assist with the voting process. If the concerned voter is not available at home during the initial visit, the same process will be repeated at a later time, but not more than twice.

• Individuals voters must complete Form 12D within five days of the notification's issuance (31 October - 4 November 2023) and submit it.
• Booth Level Officers will distribute Form 12D to eligible voters within their respective areas, collect the completed applications, and then forward them to the Returning Officer.
• Following application verification, postal ballots will be issued.
• These voters' names will be annotated with "PB" (Postal Ballot) on the voter list.
• Subsequently, a route chart will be prepared, and polling teams will reach the locations for home voting. Information regarding these identified home voting participants will be public to all political parties and through the media.
• Candidates fighting the elections will also appoint their representatives at the booth level for home voting, allowing them to be present during the home voting process. 

This is how the entire program will work

• Form 12D will be accepted until the 4 of November
• Between November 5 and November 7, a route chart and program will be prepared for the collection of votes from eligible voters.
• Political parties, candidates, and the media will receive the route charts and schedules of polling teams until November 9. BLOs will ensure that eligible voters are informed about the voting date and time.
• The second-phase training is scheduled from November 11 to November 13.
• Between November 14 and November 19, during the first visit according to the designated team schedule, polling teams will gather votes at each household while maintaining the confidentiality of voting, without employing video recording or photography of the votes they have given to the specific candidate.
• Polling teams will conduct their second visit on November 20 and 21, 2023.