The State Election Commission has introduced comprehensive new regulations governing how physically challenged voters can receive assistance during elections. These guidelines aim to ensure both accessibility and integrity in the voting process.
Strict Rules for Voting Assistants
The commission has established clear parameters for those who help physically weak voters cast their ballots. A person authorized by the presiding officer to provide assistance can only help one voter during the entire election day. To enforce this restriction, polling officials will mark the helper's left index finger with the same indelible ink used for regular voters.
Eligibility requirements for assistants are clearly defined. The helping person must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a candidate in the current election or serve as a polling agent. Both the presiding officer and polling officers are explicitly prohibited from acting as helpers for physically challenged voters.
Qualification Criteria for Assistance
Voters can only request assistance if the presiding officer is convinced they cannot physically differentiate between symbols on the ballot unit. Importantly, illiteracy alone does not qualify a voter for assistance under the new guidelines.
Those approved for help must follow specific procedures. The assistant must provide a written affidavit declaring they haven't helped any other voter that day. They must also sign a written agreement committing to maintain voting secrecy.
Accessibility Improvements at Polling Stations
The commission has also addressed physical access concerns. Voters with physical difficulties must receive direct entry to polling stations without waiting in queues. This provision ensures that mobility challenges don't prevent anyone from exercising their democratic right.
These comprehensive measures demonstrate the SEC's commitment to making elections more inclusive while maintaining strict protocols against potential misuse. The guidelines strike a careful balance between enabling participation and preserving election integrity.
