Those above 65, COVID patients can opt for postal voting, says ECI

The Election Commission of India said on Thursday (July 2) that senior citizens over the age of 65 can vote through postal ballot in view of the COVID-19 pandemic.

This announcement comes ahead of the Bihar elections, which is scheduled to be held in October-November.

Those who have tested positive for the coronavirus or are suspected to be infected can also opt for postal ballot.

This option had earlier been available only for those who were above the age of 80, and for people carrying out essential services who were not posted in their home states.

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The Rajya Sabha polls, which were supposed to be held in March 2020, had been pushed to June due to the virus pandemic. However, there is no sign of postponement of the Bihar elections.

The government and medical experts have constantly been asking senior citizens and children below the age of 10 to not step out of their houses and be more careful, since they are more susceptible to the disease than people of other age groups.

Elderly people are also likely to have comorbid health conditions like blood pressure, diabetes, and heart problems, which would increase the risk of death due to the virus.