New Delhi: Responding to concerns raised by various Kashmiri migrant voter organizations regarding challenges in the form-M filing process, the Election Commission (EC) announced modifications to the voting procedures for migrant voters on Thursday.
According to the order issued by the EC, all 22 polling stations (21 in Jammu and 1 in Udhampur) will be linked to camps/zones, ensuring that each zone hosts at least one dedicated polling station. If multiple polling stations exist within a zone, zonal officers will delineate the intra-zonal jurisdiction of each polling station, considering factors like distance and accessibility for electors.
To streamline the process, the requirement for a gazetted officer’s attestation on the certificate attached to form-M has been eliminated. Instead, self-attestation of these forms will suffice. However, to prevent impersonation at special polling stations, voters must present either their EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) or any alternate documents specified by the commission for identification.
The order underlined that all other terms and conditions outlined in the scheme issued on March 22, 2024, remain unchanged.
These adjustments aim to facilitate a smoother voting experience for Kashmiri migrant voters and address the challenges they face in participating in the electoral process.