Pune’s elderly celebrate first-ever ‘Vote from Home’ with enthusiasm and gratitude

Reflecting on his experience, Godbole said, “Throughout my career, I was in Mumbai and used to vote there, but after retirement, my family and I shifted to Pune. For 25 years, I didn’t cast my vote because my voter ID was registered in Mumbai. After the Lok Sabha Election this year, my nephew approached the local government office and they helped in transferring my voting details to Pune. After the process was approved, I finally got to vote here. Today, after a 25-year gap, I am proud and happy to have cast my vote. The Election Commission made the entire process smooth, explaining each step clearly. I urge everyone to vote – it’s a crucial step toward the change we all want.”

This is the first time Godbole had voted in 25 years after relocating from Mumbai to Pune. (Express photograph by Arul Horizon. 11/11/2024, Pune)

Similarly, 67-year-old Vinay Vasant Nayak, a resident near Sane Dairy, Deccan Gymkhana, expressed his gratitude for the new voting option. Nayak, who struggles with mobility and hearing, said, “Voting from home for the first time makes me feel really good. I can’t walk or stand for long due to my disability, so this scheme is incredibly helpful. Last time, I waited in line for nearly three hours, which was exhausting. This time, voting from home was stress-free, and I feel every vote counts. I encourage others, especially those who are fit and able, to vote, and for those with disabilities, to contact the government so they too can participate.”

Another senior citizen, 94-year-old Raghunath Jagannath Naravne, commended the initiative, noting how the team from the Election Commission facilitated his voting process from the comfort of his home. “The government has thought of us very seriously,” he said. “The team from the Election Commission came over, explained the process clearly, and made sure we understood everything. After verifying our Aadhar and voter cards, we were approved to vote from home. It was a smooth experience, and I felt reassured knowing my vote counted.”

Raghunath’s brother, Shantaram Jagannath Naravne, aged 95, also benefited from the home voting service. “The voting system has changed a lot since we were young,” he said. “In the last Lok Sabha Election, I went to the voting center and saw long lines. The Election Commission team provided support, offering wheelchairs and walkers. This time, voting from home was a new and safe experience for me. I’m very thankful to the Election Commission team for making voting accessible to us seniors.”

The Election Commission’s initiative of home voting for senior citizens and disabled individuals was praised widely by these voters, who felt that it allowed them to participate in a critical civic duty without the physical strain of traveling to a polling station. Through this program, they were able to engage in the democratic process and cast their votes, contributing to the formation of the government and fulfilling a duty they regard as vital to societal progress.