ECI Ensures Barrier-Free Voting for PwDs and Senior Citizens in Jubilee Hills Bypoll
Barrier-free polling ensures PwDs, seniors vote with ease.
Election Commission of India (ECI) has rolled out comprehensive measures to ensure that Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and senior citizens can vote seamlessly in the upcoming Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency bypoll in Hyderabad. Announced on October 19, 2025, by District Election Officer RV Karnan, these directives aim to create a barrier-free voting experience, reinforcing the democratic principle that every eligible voter deserves access to the electoral process with dignity and independence.
All 407 polling stations in the constituency will be strategically located on ground-floor or road-level premises, equipped with ramps designed to the appropriate gradient for effortless wheelchair access. To prioritize convenience, PwD electors and senior citizens will receive expedited entry and voting privileges, minimizing wait times and physical strain. These accommodations reflect the ECI’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by these groups in navigating traditional polling setups.
For visually impaired voters, the ECI has introduced accessible Voter Information Slips (VIS) featuring Braille, alongside regular slips, ensuring clear communication of essential voting details. Polling stations will also provide dummy ballot sheets in Braille, enabling independent voting through Braille-enabled Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Under Rule 49N of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, visually impaired voters may opt to bring a companion of their choice for additional assistance, offering flexibility while maintaining autonomy.
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To further enhance accessibility, the ECI has mandated dedicated transport and wheelchair facilities on polling day, ensuring seamless travel to and from polling booths. PwD electors can pre-book assistance via the Divyang (Saksham) Module on ECINET, a digital platform designed to streamline support from home to polling station. These initiatives are tailored to empower voters with disabilities and senior citizens, fostering an environment where exercising their franchise is both accessible and dignified.
Karnan emphasized that these arrangements are not merely logistical but a deliberate effort to uphold democratic inclusivity. As Hyderabad prepares for the bypoll, the ECI’s proactive measures set a precedent for future elections, signaling a broader commitment to dismantling barriers and ensuring that no voter is left behind in India’s vibrant democratic process.
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