Question

Who among the following are 'service voters' which are eligible to cast their vote either through postal ballot or through proxy voting?
1. Non-resident Indians
2. Members of armed forces
3. Indian diplomats posted abroad

Select the correct answer using the options given below.
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3​

Answer 1

Option B - 2 and 3 Only

■ Explanation :-

• Service voters are those who have service qualification. Service voter can cast their vote either through postal ballot or through a proxy voter duly appointed by him and a service voter who opts to vote through a proxy is called Classified Service Voter.

• In 2003, the facility to opt to vote through proxy was provided to the service voters belonging to the Armed Forces and members belonging to a Force to which provisions of the Army Act apply. Such service voters who opt to vote through proxy have to appoint a proxy in a prescribed format and intimate the Returning Officer of the constituency.

• Options 2 and 3 are correct :- According to the provisions of sub-section (8) of Section 20 of Representation of People Act, 1950, Service Voters are :-

♢ Those serving in the Armed Forces of the Union.

♢ Those serving in a Force to which the Army Act 1950 applies (Assam rifles, CRPF, BSF, ITBP, SSB, NSG, GREF in BRO (Border Road Organisation), CISF etc.

♢ Member of an Armed Police Force of a State, serving outside that state.

♢ Those employed under the Government of India, in a post outside India (Indian diplomats).

• Option 1 is not correct :- A citizen of India, absent from the country owing to employment, education etc., has not acquired citizenship of any other country and are otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter in the address mentioned in your passport. However, they have been not yet permitted to vote through proxy voting.

Hope It helps you