Chennai: Election officials facilitated ballot voting at home for senior citizens aged 100 and older, turning living rooms into polling spaces. For 102-year-old M Rathna Bai from Mandaveli, who often skipped voting in recent years due to the difficulty of travelling to polling stations, the doorstep facility made all the difference.Election officials, accompanied by polling personnel, visited registered voters who had opted for the facility in advance, following guidelines issued by the Election Commission. Voters were verified using identity documents, after which a postal ballot was issued. To maintain secrecy, a designated voting space was created within the home, allowing the voter to mark their choice privately before sealing it in covers.“I used to skip voting as I was unable to travel to the polling station. So my sons opted for home ballot voting this election. It has been very helpful, and the officials guided me well,” said Rathna Bai. Family members were not allowed near the senior citizen during the voting process, ensuring that the voter could exercise their right independently. The procedure was videographed to ensure transparency. Similarly, an old age home in Vyasarpadi said that two centenarians cast their votes from there. K Sridhar, who runs the old age home, said, “They were very clear about voting. The officials were patient and respectful, and the entire process was carried out smoothly on our premises.”This year, the facility was extended to senior citizens aged 85 and above, as well as persons with disabilities. Awareness drives and booth-level outreach played a key role in identifying eligible voters and assisting them with the application process.
