Thiruvananthapuram: As many as 10,922 voters aged 85 and above and persons with disabilities (PwD) exercised their franchise through home voting in Kerala on Monday, marking a significant push towards inclusive participation in the Kerala Assembly elections 2026.
Data released by the Election Commission of India showed that 7,561 absentee voters in the senior citizen category (AVSC 85+) cast their votes from home on the first day of the process. In addition, 3,361 absentee voters with disabilities (AVPD) also exercised their voting rights through the home voting facility.
Kerala home voting data and voter categories
The state has a total of 1,45,598 voters in the AVSC (85+) category, while 62,159 voters fall under the AVPD category, highlighting the scale of the home voting initiative in Kerala.
District-wise data indicates strong participation in several regions. Kottayam recorded the highest number of home votes at 2,228, followed by Thiruvananthapuram (1,749), Ernakulam (1,550) and Kannur (1,141). No home voting was reported in Palakkad district on the first day.
Election Commission deploys teams for doorstep voting
To facilitate home voting for elderly and PwD voters in Kerala, the Election Commission has deployed 2,468 teams across the state. These teams are visiting eligible absentee voters to ensure they can cast their votes safely and conveniently from their homes.
Kerala Poll date
Polling for the Kerala Assembly election is scheduled to be held on April 9, with home voting continuing as part of efforts to improve voter turnout and accessibility.
PTI