New Voting Scheme for Kashmiri Migrants in Upcoming Lok Sabha Elections

In a significant move to ensure the participation of Kashmiri migrants in the democratic process, the Election Commission (EC) has unveiled a detailed scheme for these individuals to cast their votes in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. This initiative continues the tradition of facilitating voting through postal ballots and establishing special polling stations in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. The scheme is designed to accommodate voters from the Baramulla, Srinagar, and Anantnag-Rajouri parliamentary constituencies who have relocated due to adverse circumstances.

The EC's strategy includes the issuance of two notifications that classify Kashmiri migrants as specified and notified voters, thereby enabling them to exercise their franchise despite being away from their usual places of residence. The Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir are scheduled in five phases, with polling dates set for April 19 in Udhampur, April 26 in Jammu, May 7 in Anantnag-Rajouri, May 13 in Srinagar, and May 20 in Baramulla. The counting of votes will commence on June 4.

To facilitate in-person voting, the EC plans to establish 26 special polling stations—21 in Jammu, one in Udhampur, and four in Delhi. These stations are intended for Kashmiri migrant voters residing in various relief camps. Additionally, migrants who prefer not to vote in person have the option to use postal ballots by submitting Form 12C. These forms must be delivered to the assistant returning officer in Jammu at least ten days before the polling date for each phase.

Four assistant returning officers (AROs) have been appointed to support the returning officers of the three Lok Sabha constituencies concerning migrant voters. These AROs include positions within various governmental departments in Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. Migrant voters are encouraged to send their Form M for voting at special polling stations or Form 12C for postal ballots to the relevant ARO well ahead of the polling dates.

An online facility has also been introduced for migrant voters residing outside Jammu, Udhampur, and Delhi. They can download Form M and Form 12C from the Election Commission's website or the Voter Services portal. After completing these forms, voters should approach the electoral registration officer (ERO) of their current constituency. The EROs can access details of migrant voters through ERO-Net and are responsible for verifying and electronically transmitting the forms to the appropriate AROs for further action.

Postal ballots will be dispatched to voters via speed post by the ARO Migrant in Jammu. Voters are then required to return their completed postal ballots through speed post to the returning officer of their respective parliamentary constituency. The cost associated with speed post will be covered by the returning officer concerned.

This comprehensive scheme by the Election Commission represents a crucial effort to ensure that Kashmiri migrants remain an integral part of India's electoral process despite their displacement. By providing multiple avenues for these individuals to vote, the EC reaffirms its commitment to upholding democratic values and ensuring inclusive participation in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.