Agartala, March 31, 2026: Ahead of the upcoming Assam Assembly elections scheduled for April 9, more than 26,000 voters in the state have been approved to avail the home voting facility, according to the Election Commission of India. The initiative is aimed at ensuring greater electoral participation among senior citizens aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

As per official data released by the Commission, 19,774 electors aged above 85 years in Assam have been approved for home voting, accounting for 19.32 per cent of the total eligible 85-plus voters in the state. In addition, 6,638 PwD electors have been cleared for the facility, representing 3.23 per cent of the total registered PwD voters. Altogether, 26,412 voters in Assam will cast their ballots from home through postal ballot under the special arrangement.

The home voting provision is available under Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, allowing eligible elderly and disabled electors to vote without visiting polling stations. Polling teams are visiting voters’ residences in advance with ballot papers, accompanied by security personnel and videographers to maintain transparency while preserving secrecy of voting.

The process has already begun in constituencies across Assam and will continue till April 5. Election officials said a second visit will be made if a voter is unavailable during the first visit. Contesting candidates and recognised political parties have also been informed of the schedule and may nominate representatives to observe the process.

Across Assam, Kerala and Puducherry, over 2.37 lakh electors have so far been approved for home voting, with Assam emerging as a key participant in the accessibility initiative ahead of polling. Officials added that voters who have not opted for home voting will receive assistance such as wheelchairs and volunteer support at polling stations.