Former Tamil Nadu Information Commissioner S. Muthuraj has written to the Election Commission of India (EC) urging it to extend postal voting options to candidates contesting the elections.
On his behalf, Mr. Muthuraj pointed out that the candidates contesting in the Parliament and House elections must be present in their constituencies for campaigning and monitoring the election activities on the election day. They also had legal and practical responsibility for supervising polling stations and the conduct of elections within their constituencies. However, many candidates ran from constituencies that were geographically distant from where they were registered as voters.
Forced to travel long distances
As a result, they were forced to travel long distances to cast their vote at a designated polling station and then return to their constituency, often involving journeys of hundreds or even thousands of kilometres. “This is practically difficult and in many cases impossible on election day,” Mr. Muthuraj said.
He said in such situations, candidates were forced to choose between exercising their right to vote and fulfilling their electoral duties. “The inability of candidates to cast their vote leads to inequality in the exercise of democratic rights,” he said.
Mr. Muthuraj suggested that the option of postal voting should be extended to all contesting candidates whose nominations have been accepted by the EC. He proposed that candidates should be given the option of either voting by post or exercising their right to vote at their respective polling stations.
Equal voting rights for all candidates
Referring to cases involving prominent leaders contesting elections from constituencies far from their registered polling stations, Mr. Muthuraj urged the ECI to amend election rules and procedures to ensure equal voting rights for all candidates.
Currently, postal voting facilities are available to government officials, members of the armed forces and electoral duty employees to vote despite official commitments.
Mr. Muthuraj appealed to the ECI to consider his proposal and take action at the earliest. As a starting point, he suggested extending this option to candidates contesting the upcoming Assembly elections in five states, saying such a move would strengthen democratic principles.
Published – 24 March 2026 0:41 AM IST
