Question

Q. Who of the following can vote by Proxy during the general elections or state assembly elections:

• A. NRIs
• B. Classified service voters
• C. Person with disabilities
• D. Senior citizens more than 80 years of age.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Classified service voters

Explanation:

• Proxy voting allows a registered elector to delegate his voting rights to a representative he nominates. This was introduced in 2003 for very few countries to have such a provision. Notably, only “classified service voters” serving in the armed forces or paramilitary forces are allowed to avail of these benefits.
• Postal ballots, on the other hand, involve votes being sent by post. The rights are reserved for people deputed to election duties at places away from his or her constituency, or for armed force personnel, the armed police force of a state serving in another state, ambassadors and high commissioners, and their staff. The spouses of the above-mentioned electorate can also enjoy these benefits.
• Recently ECI has made postal ballot facilities available to senior citizens above the age of 80 years, electors marked as ‘Person with Disabilities (PwD), those in essential services, and COVID-19 positive patients/suspects.