Question

• Do you know what ETPBS is?

ETPBS stands for Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System. It enables service voters to cast their vote on an electronically received postal ballot from their preferred location, which is outside their originally assigned voting constituency.

• Find out who are classified as service voters and who can vote usinETPBS?

Answer 1

ETPBS: Service voters are individuals who hold a unique “service qualification” that prevents them from being physically present at their domestic polling booths due to their official duties. According to the ECI, the following individuals can register as service voters and utilise ETPBS. Here is a list of individuals who are classified as service voters and who can vote using ETPBS:

• Armed Forces Personnel: Members of the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force.
• Forces covered by the Army Act: Members of forces governed by the provisions of the Army Act, 1950.
• State Armed Police Personnel: Members of a state’s armed police force who are serving outside their home state.
• Government Employees Posted Abroad: Government of India employees working outside the country, such as staff posted at Indian embassies and high commissions.
• Spouses of Service Voters: The spouse of an eligible service voter may also use ETPBS if they are ordinarily residing abroad or living at the same place of posting as the service voter.