1 lakh votes cast via postal ballot

BANGALORE: While they ensured that the Assembly election was smoothly conducted in the state, several thousand government and police officials were not able to exercise their franchise on Sunday.
But the postal ballot ensured they didn’t miss their right to vote. CEO Anil Kumar Jha said nearly one lakh people cast their vote through postal ballot. As per official figures about 34,000 government and police officials have been deputed on poll duty in the state, of which about 50% submitted applications to vote through postal ballot.Then there were the bus conductors and drivers,who are always on the move.
The officials were sent Form 12B (postal ballot form) by the Election Commission of India last month and last date of submission of poll ballot is on May 7. “I came to Bangalore in the first week of April and have been put on a poll-related duty. To vote is my right but duty I was assigned was equally important. But I am satisfied as I have cast my vote through postal ballot to my home town Hubli,” said a doctor from the health department.
Another official from the labour department, a native of Raichur, said: “I sent my ballot through speed post and have been on duty in Bangalore round the clock.”
A police constable from Shikaripura,who was deployed in Hanumanthnagar, said: “I have not gone home for the past three days. I have been on duty round the clock. I am yet to see my ballot paper, but I am sure that I will cast my vote before May 7, because I care for my constituency.”
An officer from Election Commission said that many government officers could not register for postal ballot in time due to the tedious procedure and lack of time.