Coimbatore Launches Postal Voting for Elderly and Disabled Voters
In a significant initiative to enhance electoral accessibility, postal voting for senior citizens aged 85 and above, as well as persons with disabilities (PWDs), commenced in Coimbatore district on Sunday. This three-day door-to-door postal ballot process is designed to ensure that these vulnerable groups can exercise their franchise conveniently from their homes.
Extensive Coverage Across Constituencies
The postal voting initiative aims to cover a total of 7,583 senior citizens and 1,692 persons with disabilities across all ten assembly constituencies in the district. To facilitate this, the district administration has mobilized 168 dedicated teams, each equipped to handle the logistical challenges of reaching voters at their doorsteps.
Coimbatore District Collector Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar officially flagged off the vehicles carrying postal ballots from the Corporation Central Zone Office, which serves as the designated office for the Coimbatore South constituency. This marked the beginning of a meticulous effort to ensure every eligible voter is accounted for.
First-Day Progress and Constituency-Wise Breakdown
On the inaugural day, the teams successfully covered 2,960 senior citizens and 683 PWDs across the district. The breakdown by constituency provides a clear picture of the outreach:
- Coimbatore South: 186 senior citizens and 31 PWDs covered out of 646 approved Form 12D applications.
- Valparai: 175 senior citizens and 87 PWDs.
- Pollachi: 348 senior citizens and 102 PWDs.
- Mettupalayam: 289 senior citizens and 105 PWDs.
- Sulur: 254 senior citizens and 84 PWDs.
- Kavundampalayam: 533 senior citizens and 72 PWDs.
- Coimbatore North: 242 senior citizens and 27 PWDs.
- Thondamuthur: 337 senior citizens and 58 PWDs.
- Singanallur: 265 senior citizens and 50 PWDs.
- Kinathukadavu: 331 senior citizens and 69 PWDs.
This detailed allocation underscores the administration's commitment to a systematic and inclusive approach, ensuring no voter is left behind due to age or disability.
Conclusion of the Voting Process
The three-day postal ballot exercise is scheduled to conclude on April 14. This initiative not only promotes democratic participation but also sets a precedent for future elections, highlighting the importance of accommodating all citizens in the electoral process. By bringing the ballot box to the doorstep, Coimbatore is taking a proactive step towards a more inclusive democracy.
