Differently abled people and those over 80 years of age can now cast their vote through postal ballots, the government said on Saturday, in a move aimed at increasing voter participation.

At present, voting through postal ballots is available to the armed forces and those on poll duty.

Following a recommendation from the Election Commission, the ministry of law and justice amended the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, on October 22, allowing senior citizens and those with disabilities on the absentee voter list. Absentee ballot refers to a vote cast by someone unable to go to the polling station.

Officials said in both these categories there are people unable to reach polling stations to cast their vote. “This will enable people from these two categories to cast their vote with ease and increase the voter turnout,” an official said.

The poll officer concerned will attest Form 13A that senior citizens and persons with disabilities have to sign like others who vote through postal ballot.