Guwahati: Voters above the age of 85 of Guwahati parliamentary constituency, who exercised their franchise for the third phase of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections from the comfort of their homes, had diverse opinions about the process. While some voters opined that voting through electronic voting machine (EVMs) has cut down on time, others said the polling process was more fair and transparent in the old days when votes were cast in ballot papers. However, the voters and their family members on Friday lauded the Election Commission of India (ECI’s) effort of bringing the polling booths to their doorsteps, as they would have not been able to go to the booths due to their age-related issues. The postal ballot voting process for selected specially-abled voters and those above 85 years started on April 27 in the city and will end on May 6. Age-related issues have compelled 88-year-old Dr Nirmal Kumar Chaudhury of Rukminigaon area of the city to opt for the postal ballot voting facility. Chaudhury, the former vice-chancellor of Gauhati University who cast his vote at his residence on April 28, told TOI that the introduction of EVM in the voting process, has made it hassle free compared to casting the vote in ballots. “In EVMs, a voter can cast the vote just by pressing a single button, whereas in ballot casting the folding of papers and inserting that in the ballot box made the process more complicated and time consuming,” the octogenarian added.Delving deep into his younger days of voting, Chaudhury praised the measures taken by the ECI to attract voters to increase the turnout. “In the past, voter awareness programmes were not held at this scale. I appeal to the younger voters to exercise their franchise in large numbers to strengthen democracy,” he said. Differing with Chaudhury’s opinion, another home voter of the Dispur area of the city, Kshirada Dutta (89), said she prefers to cast her vote on ballot paper. “We often get reports of EVMs being tampered with, which makes a common voter like me wonder about the authenticity of the machines. However, as ballots have no such issues, in my opinion, that would have been a more reliable,” she added.

We also published the following articles recently

In the hub of migrant workforce, voters from outside seek mechanism to cast ballot

Private-sector workers and daily wagers in Ludhiana face voting challenges due to the lack of postal ballot options. The expansion of voter eligibility for such individuals is crucial for improving voter turnout in the region.

1,548 voters in 85+ age group cast vote

1,271 elderly and PwDs voted in North Goa, 464 with disabilities. In South Goa, 1,041 elderly, PwDs, essential workers voted, including 741 seniors above 85 and 300 with disabilities. Bellamma Kolkar, over 100, voted from Shantinagar.

They miss ballot but are all agog to press EVM button

Centenarians reflect on the evolving electoral process post-independence, missing the charisma of past leaders like Nehruji. They critique modern leaders’ disconnect from the public and the challenges of EVM voting. Despite obstacles, they remain dedicated to voting, inspiring the younger generation.