As many as 7,95,257 persons with disabilities (PwDs) and elderly voters in Gujarat do not have to wait for May 7 to cast their vote in the Lok Sabha 2024 elections. 

The Election Commission has provided voters aged above 85 and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability the option of home voting by secret ballot, with “a full contingent of polling staff and security personnel”, according to a government statement.

Unusually, one of these sets of boots on the ground belongs to Gandhinagar’s collector and returning officer Mehul Dave, who has been visiting such voters at home. 

“Most of the voters I visit are in high spirits despite facing a tough situation. They know the value of their votes and are deeply respectful of democracy. I make home visits to encourage such voters,” he told Gujarat Samachar Digital. 

He shared his experience of visiting the home of 95-year-old Maniben Mavjibhai Rever, who voted at her home on May 1. 

“She is an inspiration for the youth to vote,” he said.

On his visit, Dave was accompanied by poll workers who carried a ballot box and set up a private booth so Maniben could cast her vote by secret ballot. 

Maniben’s son, Khimjibhai (72), said that his mother has always been a keen observer of national interests. “Despite being illiterate, she also advises my children to go out and vote,” he added with a note of pride. 

Voters above the age of 85 years, and PwDs with 40% benchmark disability can avail the optional home voting facility. There are over 81 lakh 85+ aged voters and 90 lakh+ PwD voters registered across the country, according to a government statement. This includes many adults like Maniben, who will—hopefully—benefit from the ECI’s “leave no voter behind” policy. 

While Dave’s efforts, as part of the district administration’s "Our aim is 100% polling" awareness campaign has not gone unnoticed, it will be interesting to see if it makes a difference come election day.

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