Srinagar, Aug 27: The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer Jammu and Kashmir has announced a series of measures aimed at ensuring an inclusive and accessible voting process for the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections.
These initiatives are designed to enhance the voting experience for differently-abled individuals, elderly voters, and migrants.
According to the Chief Electoral Officer, polling stations will be equipped with essential facilities to assist voters with various needs. “Polling stations will be fitted with ramps and wheelchairs to support those with mobility challenges. We will also provide Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Braille for visually impaired voters, allowing them to cast their votes independently,” the CEO informed on its social media handle.
Additional provisions include the presence of dedicated volunteers and sign language interpreters to assist voters with hearing impairments. A special queue for persons with disabilities (PWD) will be established to expedite their voting process and reduce wait times. For elderly voters who are unable to visit polling stations, home voting facilities will be implemented. Furthermore, special polling stations have been set up for Kashmiri migrants to facilitate their participation in the electoral process.
Elderly voters, expressed their appreciation for these initiatives, stating, “we are deeply grateful to the Election Commission for providing home voting facilities for elderly voters. It’s a great relief and makes voting so much easier.”
In addition to these measures, the Election Commission is intensifying its efforts through the SVEEP (Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation) programme. This initiative aims to raise awareness and encourage participation among young, elderly, female, and differently-abled voters.
Kashmiri migrants have also praised the establishment of special polling stations, highlighting that these provisions significantly ease their ability to exercise their voting rights. The comprehensive measures reflect a commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate fully in the democratic process. (KNS)
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