Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In order to increase voter confidence among Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the Election Commission of India (ECI) is dedicated to creating an equal access framework that is based on the principles of responsiveness, respect, and dignity. Additionally, the ECI will support initiatives aimed at improving service delivery and increasing PwDs’ participation in elections. In light of this, the Election Commission of India conducted a video conference sensitization meeting where the election preparedness to raise the voting percentage of older voters and those with disabilities was examined.
Based on information from the Odisha CEO’s office, 4,57,827 PwD voters were included in the Final Electoral Roll, 2024, which was released on January 5, 2024. As of right now, 5, 16,330 PwD voters are listed on the E-Roll, representing a 12% increase in PwD voter enrolment. Additionally, all districts have received instructions to take extra steps to identify and enroll all eligible PwD voters in the E-Roll.
Infrastructure of polling places: To make voting easier for senior citizens and people with disabilities, all 37,809 polling places are located on the ground floor. Polling places have been equipped with permanent ramps that have a gradient of no more than 1:12. There will be extensive media coverage over the availability of ramps for polling places. Preference will be given to PwDs for entering the voting places without having to wait in line, and separate lines for PwDs and Senior Citizen voters will be set up. For the convenience of voters, chairs will be arranged in the polling places according to the requirements.
