Collector stresses importance of proper handling of postal ballots

District Collector Nagalakshmi underscored the critical significance of postal ballots in the current electoral scenario, stressing the necessity for precision in their preparation, issuance, and acceptance. Addressing a district-level training programme conducted at the Collectorate meeting hall on Tuesday, Collector Nagalakshmi emphasised adherence to the rules stipulated by the Election Commission throughout the postal ballot process. As part of the election training initiatives, a comprehensive programme focused on postal ballots was conducted, featuring DRDA PD A. Kalyana Chakraborty and District BC Welfare Officer K. Sandeep Kumar as district-level master trainees. The training covered various aspects including the preparation of postal ballot papers, voting procedures, counting methodologies, and the appointment of facilitation centre staff. The Collector highlighted the substantial changes in postal ballot procedures compared to previous elections, emphasising the importance of understanding Election Commission directives thoroughly. She noted that in addition to service voters and those on election duty, a new system for absent voters has been introduced, encompassing individuals above 80 years of age, individuals with disabilities exceeding 40 per cent, Covid patients, and emergency service personnel. Special polling teams will be formed to facilitate home voting for the elderly, differently-abled, and those afflicted with COVID-19, with the possibility of polling agents accompanying them. Separate counting centres may be established if necessary to count postal ballots. Service voters will receive their ballot papers online, featuring candidates’ names, photos, and parties without party symbols. Each ballot paper will include a NOTA option, and a sample Braille ballot paper will be available at polling stations for visually impaired voters. The Collector cautioned master trainees about the significant impact of even minor errors in handling postal ballots, stressing the importance of meticulousness and comprehensive staff training to ensure the smooth execution of electoral duties. The training programme witnessed the participation of Joint Collector K. Karthik, Assistant Collector Venkata Trivinag, DRO SD Anitha, Mepma PD Sudhakar Rao, Election Department Superintendent Prabhakar, as well as Deputy Tashildars from various constituencies.