POSTAL BALLOT RULE

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Picture Courtesy: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/behind-opposition-postal-ballot-concern-election-commission-rule-change-in-2019-9368278/

Context: The Opposition demands the Election Commission prioritise postal ballot counting before EVM results to ensure transparency.

Background on Postal Ballot Counting Procedures

Pre-2019 Procedures

• Sequence of Counting: Until the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the counting of postal ballots was conducted first. The counting of Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) votes began 30 minutes later.
• Completion Requirement: All postal ballots had to be counted before the completion of the EVM vote counting.

2019 Rule Changes

• New Guidelines: The EC's Handbook for Counting Agents (February 2019) initially maintained that the results of all rounds of EVM counting should not be announced before finalising the postal ballot counting.
• Post-2019 Procedures: After the 2019 elections, the guidelines were revised:
  • Concurrent Counting: Postal ballot counting now starts 30 minutes before EVM counting but does not need to be completed before EVM counting.
  • EVM and VVPAT Counting: EVM counting can proceed regardless of the postal ballot counting stage. Once EVM counting is complete, VVPAT slips are counted.
  • Revised Recounting Rule: The rule for recounting postal ballots was modified to mandate re-verification of rejected postal ballots if the margin of victory is less than the number of such rejected ballots.

Rationale Behind the Changes

• Increase in Postal Ballots: The introduction of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) led to a significant increase in postal ballots.
• Additional VVPAT Counting: The mandatory counting of VVPAT slips from five randomly selected polling stations per Assembly constituency also contributed to the need for more streamlined procedures.

Postal Ballots

• Postal ballots allow registered voters to cast their votes via mail, eliminating the need for physical presence at polling stations.
• Eligible electors include Service Voters, Absentee Voters, Electors on Election Duty, Preventive Detainees, and Essential Services Personnel.
• The Ministry of Law and Justice has amended the Conduct of Election Rules to include Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) aged 85 and above.
• To apply, voters must submit Form 12 D to the Returning Officer (RO) of their constituency.
• The RO verifies eligibility and issues the postal ballot if requirements are met.
• The process includes receiving the postal ballot, marking the ballot, filling out the declaration form, sealing the envelope, and returning the ballot.
• Postal ballots are counted separately from votes cast at polling stations and scrutinised for validity and integrity.
• The introduction of postal ballots enhances electoral participation and highlights the commitment to democratic principles.

Source:

Indian Express

POSTAL BALLOT