Journalists and key service providers eligible to cast votes via postal ballots in Lok Sabha elections: ECI
Among the various groups identified for postal ballot usage are journalists who have received authorization letters from the commission to report on election day activities
Journalists who have been authorized by the Election Commission to report on election day activities, as well as those involved in essential services like metros, railways, and healthcare, are eligible to cast their votes using postal ballots in the Lok Sabha and four state assembly elections. The Election Commission has provided a list of “essential service absentee voters” who can vote via postal ballots to all state chief electoral officers.
Previously, journalists covering election day and those engaged in essential services have utilized postal ballots during assembly elections. This provision has now been expanded to include Lok Sabha elections.
Among the various groups identified for postal ballot usage are journalists who have received authorization letters from the commission to report on election day activities. A spokesperson for the Election Commission confirmed that journalists in Delhi who have been granted permission to cover election day can opt to vote using postal ballots.
How to access the form?
To avail of the postal ballot facility, journalists will need to approach the returning officer (RO) of their respective constituency. They must carry an authorisation letter issued with Election Commission (EC) approval, or possibly the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or state accreditation card. The RO will then ask them to sign Form 12D, either directly or through a nodal agency. After signing Form 12D, a postal ballot may be collected, which can be mailed back by the journalist to the RO office, after marking the preferred candidate.
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