Whenever the counting of votes begins after an election, the first step is to count the postal ballots. Do you know which state receives the most postal ballots? How many postal ballot papers are there in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?
In India, Andhra Pradesh has the highest number of postal ballots. Rajasthan is second, followed by Tamil Nadu. In Andhra Pradesh, about 5.12 lakh postal ballots were cast in 2024. Rajasthan had 3.76 lakh votes, while Tamil Nadu had 3.11 lakh votes.
How many postal ballots are there in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh?
Incidentally, postal ballot papers were also available in these Bihar assembly elections. This facility was for senior citizens above 85 years of age, voters with disabilities (with benchmark disabilities), and voters working outside the state, who could vote through Postal Ballots. About 2.68 lakh postal ballot papers were cast in the 2020 Bihar Assembly elections. According to a 2020 report, around 52,000 voters in Bihar opted for Postal Ballots in the first phase.
About 236,508 postal ballot papers were cast in Uttar Pradesh for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. A significant portion of these were found by government employees, service voters, etc.
When can Postal Ballots be found?
Regular postal ballots close at least three days before the central elections. Those seeking postal ballots must normally apply within five days of the election announcement.
Why are postal ballots rejected?
Generally, a Postal Ballot is considered valid only if all procedures have been properly completed, such as the declaration form being properly filled out, verified by the respondent, and the ballot paper properly sealed. If a Postal Ballot does not bear the stamp of the Returning Officer but bears the declaration signature of a Gazetted Officer, it shall not be treated as invalid.
Previous statistics show that around 12-20% of postal ballots in the country are generally invalid. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, about 12.51% of postal ballot papers were rejected across India.
Why are postal ballots rejected?
In Indian elections, every effort is made to ensure that as many people as possible vote. However, there are many people in the country who are unable to go home and cast their vote during the election season.
For such people, arrangements have been made to ensure that citizens who are away from their hometown for any reason can still vote. The solution to this problem has come in the form of the postal belt. However, the largest number of people who use postal belts are soldiers.
Government employees and soldiers
Apart from military personnel, the postal ballot also includes government employees, police and other security personnel who perform election duties. These persons are unable to vote even in their constituencies. In a country like India, their number is huge, and hence, postal ballots are also available for them. The same applies to government officials posted outside the country or their hometown.
Do prisoners have this right?
Under Section 62(5) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, persons in statutory police custody and serving imprisonment after conviction cannot vote. However, a person under preventive custody can still vote by postal ballots.
Postal Ballot sent to District Headquarters or Collector?
Postal Ballots are always sent to the Returning Officer, not directly to the Collector or only to the District Headquarters. Since the Collector is the RO in most of the districts in India, in practice, people also call it “Deputy to the Collector”. The Election Commission appoints an RO for each constituency. Generally, the District Collector is the RO, but in many districts, the ADM or Senior SDM is also appointed as the RO.
Where are postal ballots sent?
Postal ballots are sent to the RO’s office along with Form 13A (Declaration Form). The envelope is clearly marked. The office of the RO is usually located at the district headquarters.