Postal ballot facility in assembly by-elections and MLC polls in Karnataka for those infected by COVID-19

postal ballot option which was for disabled persons and elderly people above 80 years, has been extended to those who have tested positive for coronavirus or undergoing home or institutional quarantine for byelections in Karnataka.

Rajarajeshwari Nagar in Bengaluru urban district and Sira in Tumakuru district are going to bypolls on vember 11,while elections to four MLC seats -- two each related to Teachers Constituencies and Graduate Constituencies-- are scheduled on October 28.

According to order issued by Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka Sanjiv Kumar, returning officer will have to make arrangements to deliver postal ballot and to get it collected from said elector before date fixed for poll in constituency.

order said application for postal ballot paper from such electors should be accompanied by a copy of certificate or instructions from competent health authorities which show that applicant is hospitalised in state or in quarantine within state due to COVID-19. voter will be intimated in advance about date and approximate time of visit of poll officials.

Such intimation may be given through SMS on mobile phone number wherever same has been mentioned in application in Form-12D, order read.In view of polls, election commission has made masks, sanitisers, rmal screening and social distancing mandatory for voters willing to vote.

polling officers should wear face shields and gloves.

CEO has permitted door-to-door campaign and public meetings subject to strict adherence to coronavirus guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(IM CREDITS:PTI)