Postal Ballot in India – Meaning, Legal Basis & Key Provisions 

What is a Postal Ballot?

A Postal Ballot is a method of voting in which an eligible voter casts their vote without visiting the polling booth, by sending the ballot paper through post or through a mechanism notified by the Election Commission of India (ECI). It ensures voting rights for those who cannot physically reach the polling station due to service, age, health, or official duties.

How Postal Ballot Works

• Voter receives the ballot paper.
• Marks their vote.
• Seals it in the prescribed envelopes.
• Sends it back to the Returning Officer (RO).

Legal Basis

The system of Postal Ballot is governed by:

• Representation of the People Act (RPA), 1951
• Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 (Rule 23–27)
• ECI notifications and amendments

Who Can Use Postal Ballot?

1. Service Voters

• Members of the Armed Forces (Army, Navy, Air Force)
• Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF)
• Government officials posted in Indian Missions / Embassies abroad

2. Voters on Election Duty

• Presiding Officers, Polling Officers
• Police and security personnel on duty
• Staff deployed by the Returning Officer

3. ‘Absentee Voters’ Category

Eligible for Vote from Home using Form 12D:

• Senior citizens (80+ years)
• PwD voters (benchmark disabilities)
• Pregnant women
• Voters with serious or chronic illnesses
• Voters under emergency conditions (e.g., during COVID)

4. Undertrial Detainees

• Prisoners who are not convicted, only under trial

5. Voters in Essential Services (as notified by ECI)

• Railways
• Health services
• Fire services
• Postal department
• Telecommunications
• Other essential categories approved by ECI

Procedure: How Postal Ballot Works?

Step 1: Application

• Eligible voter submits Form 12 / Form 12D to request a postal ballot.

Step 2: Verification

• Returning Officer verifies and approves the application.

Step 3: Issue of Ballot Materials

Voter receives:

• Ballot paper
• Inner (secret) envelope
• Declaration form
• Outer envelope (addressed to RO)

Step 4: Casting the Vote

• Voter marks the ballot
• Signs the declaration form
• Seals the envelopes properly

Step 5: Returning the Ballot

• Sends the ballot back via post
  OR
• Submits it personally at the RO’s office

Step 6: Counting of Votes

• Postal Ballots are counted first on counting day.

ETPBS – Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System

The ECI has introduced ETPBS for service voters to speed up the process.

Features

• Ballot is sent electronically to the voter.
• Voter prints the ballot, marks it, and returns it by post.
• Enhances speed, security, and reduces logistical delays.
• One of India’s most advanced election technologies.

Significance of Postal Ballot

1. Inclusive Democracy

Ensures voting rights of:

• Soldiers
• Senior citizens
• Ill or disabled voters
• Pregnant women
• Officials on election duty

2. Higher Voter Turnout

Enables participation even when physical voting is not possible.

3. Upholds Universal Adult Franchise (Article 326)

Expands accessibility and democratic participation.

4. Useful During Emergencies

Widely used during COVID-19 and natural disasters.

Issues & Challenges

1. Postal delays – ballots may arrive late.
2. Security concerns – risk of undue influence or improper assistance.
3. Possibility of fraud – identity verification challenges.
4. Administrative burden – extra staff, verification processes.
5. Exclusion of migrant workers and NRI voters – large voting population still left out.

Reforms Needed

1. Remote / Digital Voting

To include migrant workers and NRI voters.

2. Expansion of ETPBS

More categories of voters can be included.

3. Strengthening Postal & Logistics Systems

• Tracking facilities
• Faster dispatch & delivery

4. Better Security Protocols

• Stronger sealing mechanisms
• Signature verification
• CCTV tracking at RO offices

5. Awareness Campaigns

Educating voters about:

• Eligibility
• Forms
• Time limits
• Voting process