As Bihar gears up for the crucial 2025 Assembly Elections, the Election Commission has streamlined the postal ballot process to ensure no eligible voter is left behind. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about casting your vote through postal ballot.
Who Can Vote via Postal Ballot?
The postal ballot facility isn't available to everyone - it's specifically designed for certain categories of voters who might find it challenging to visit polling stations on election day. Eligible groups include:
- Senior Citizens aged 85 years and above
- Persons with Disabilities with 40% or more benchmark disability
- COVID-19 Suspected or Affected Persons as per health authorities
- Essential Service Employees including railway, healthcare, and media personnel on duty
- Election Duty Staff assigned to polling stations
- Security Force Personnel on active deployment
Step-by-Step Application Process
Applying for a postal ballot is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps carefully:
- Form 12D Submission: Eligible voters must fill Form 12D and submit it to the Returning Officer through the Booth Level Officer
- Application Deadline: Complete the process at least 5 days before the polling date
- Document Verification: Ensure all required documents are attached with your application
- Confirmation: Wait for approval from election authorities
The Voting Procedure Explained
Once your application is approved, the real voting process begins:
Ballot Delivery: Election officials will visit your registered address with the postal ballot papers and necessary materials. This doorstep service ensures convenience for elderly and differently-abled voters.
Voting in Presence of Officials: You'll mark your vote on the ballot paper in the presence of the visiting team. The officials will guide you through the process if needed.
Secure Sealing: After voting, the ballot paper is sealed in a confidential cover, which then goes into another envelope containing your details for verification.
Critical Deadlines to Remember
Timing is everything in postal voting. Missing these deadlines could mean losing your voting opportunity:
- Form Submission: Minimum 5 days before polling date
- Ballot Return: Must reach counting center before counting begins
- COVID-19 Patients: Special provisions for those in quarantine
Why Postal Voting Matters
Postal ballots play a crucial role in making elections more inclusive and accessible. They ensure that citizens who serve essential functions or face physical challenges can still participate in democracy without hardship.
The system has been particularly valuable during the pandemic years and continues to evolve with better technology and processes. For the 2025 Bihar elections, authorities have promised smoother implementation and wider awareness.
Remember: Your vote is your voice. If you qualify for postal voting, don't let procedural confusion silence that voice. Start the application process early and contribute to shaping Bihar's future.
