Dehra byelection: 96% eligible voters cast ballot from home

Dharamsala, July 7

The Election Commission has left no stone unturned to ensure maximum participation of voters in the Dehra Assembly byelection. Of the 889 eligible voters, who had opted for voting from home, 858 have cast their vote. Among them, 737 elderly and 121 disabled voters exercised their franchise.

Returning Officer and SDM, Dehra, Shilpi Bekta said the Election Commission had given the option of home voting for elderly voters above 85 years of age and disabled voters with more than 40 per cent disability.

Ten teams of the Election Commission went at doorsteps of 889 eligible voters, who opted for voting from home in Dehra. The voting process was completed with complete secrecy. In just eight days, more than 96 per cent eligible voters of the Dehra Assembly constituency cast their vote for the byelection.

More than 99 per cent elderly voters have voted from home. According to the Returning Officer, a lot of enthusiasm was seen among the elderly voters during home voting in Dehra.

A 107-year-old voter, Milkhi Ram, also cast their vote. At the same time, out of 147 disabled voters eligible for home voting in the Dehra assembly byelection, 121 exercised their right to vote.

In the campaign from June 29 to July 6, the polling parties took full care of secrecy and transparency. To ensure transparency during this period, the entire process of voting was also videographed.

Returning Officer Shilpi Bekta said on the day of voting on July 10, essential facilities would be provided to the elderly and physically challenged voters at every polling booth in the constituency.

Arrangements for ramps, wheelchairs, toilets, drinking water besides proper seating have been made at polling booths for the convenience of elderly, women and handicapped. NSS volunteers will also be on duty at polling booths to assist voters.