In an effort to ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote and bring transparency to the electoral process, India Post is deploying its mail monitoring services to track mail ballots.

What is electronic postal voting?

To enable all eligible service voters to cast their votes while discharging their national duties, the Election Commission of India introduced the Electronic Postal Voting System (ETPBS).

ETPBS or Postal Voting is compatible with the Electronic Postal Voting System (ETPBS). Traditional postal voting system, but uses electronic means of transmission. It allows voters to cast their ballot electronically from anywhere outside their designated electoral district and return the marked postal ballot by post.

In this way, the ETPB system sends the postal ballot in two parts: the electronic part - the postal ballot (PDF) to the officer unit and the electronic Personal Identification Number (PIN) to the voter registration officer on duty. The service voter retrieves both, prints them, follows the instructions, and mails the completed electronic mail ballot to the address provided prior to the count date. India then sends these ballot papers to the returning officials via courier.

India Post's technology-enabled solution helps in real-time monitoring

The Department of Posts, under the Ministry of Communications, has been instrumental in facilitating the smooth conduct of elections by managing postal ballots and distributing voter ID cards.

“In recent years, we have been actively involved in the management of mail ballots through Mail, paying special attention to electronically printed ballots and our responsibility is to send them by courier, using the fastest means, including air transportation, carefully monitoring each stage until they reach the returning officer at the registered location of the voter,” said Amitabh Singh, Director General of the Office. Post (Post and Business Development) India Post in Maharashtra said.

It noted that over the years, the number of voters who have used the e-postal voting service has increased, and the ongoing 2024 Lok Sabha elections are likely to witness a significant increase.< /p>

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“As we speak, it is estimated that there are between 12 and 13 thousand mail-in ballots in circulation. But we expect the number to rise this year due to the popularity of exercising this voting option. The initiatives The Election Commission's innovative efforts, along with promotional efforts through mailing channels, work to encourage voter participation. Moreover, the large network of post offices that we have set up, even in remote areas of the country, makes it easier for voters to exercise their right to vote.

Singh also explained that this process of postal balloting is aided by continuous monitoring at the district office and at the district level. National, this is facilitated through three different mechanisms: email communication, a tracking system, and the physical transmission of ballots.

“Currently, this transmission is continuous, ensuring that people exercise their voting rights, with Ballots are securely sealed and handled similarly to competitive exams to prevent tampering and ensure integrity. “What is unique this year is our robust mail monitoring system,” Singh said.

In July last year, Singh said, the Postal Department established. Specialized units known as Mail Monitoring Units (MMU) are located in the District, District, District and Division to streamline the process of handling and delivery of mail and parcels. These Mobile Medical Units are intended to closely monitor the collection, booking, processing, transportation and delivery of mail and parcels according to pre-determined standards on a daily basis. These MMUs are equipped to quickly address any deviations from these standards by implementing necessary corrective actions.

“With the help of these MMUs, we can provide more transparency and real-time monitoring of our mail services,” Singh added. “ For mail-in ballots, this system not only helps track the status of ballots, but also ensures that voters receive updates on whether or not their ballots have been delivered to designated return clerks.

Regardless of and from In this spirit, India Post is also working hard to create awareness about voting, Singh said, adding: “We, on our part,“We, on our part are publicising posters at all post offices, postal mail, vans, and even on all letters which are being sent, to encourage voters to cast their ballot. We are also using our social media platforms to spread this message.”