The Joint Action Committee (JAC) has requested ground-floor polling booths with ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs at polling stations. It has also asked for priority voting or separate queues for senior citizens, with enough seating and shaded waiting areas
The JAC requested special registration and voting support for senior citizens living in old age homes across Maharashtra. Pic/Special Arrangement
The Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Senior Citizens, a network of 28 organisations working for the welfare and rights of older people in Maharashtra, has praised the State Election Commission (SEC) for successfully conducting the recent Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections.
In a letter, addressed to Dinesh Waghmare, State Election Commissioner, the group said it is confident that the elections will also be carried out with the same level of care and efficiency.
With Maharashtra’s population ageing quickly, the JAC said it is important to ensure that senior citizens can vote safely, comfortably, and with dignity. After speaking with older people and senior citizens’ groups across Mumbai and the rest of the state, the committee has submitted several recommendations to make voting more senior-friendly.
The JAC has requested ground-floor polling booths with ramps, lifts, and wheelchairs at polling stations. It has also asked for priority voting or separate queues for senior citizens, with enough seating and shaded waiting areas.
The group further recommended better ventilation, fans, bright lighting, drinking water, and proper toilet facilities at polling sites. It also suggested that digital ID should be accepted if a senior forgets their physical ID, along with digital electoral rolls to avoid delays.
The committee called for first aid and basic medical support at polling stations, along with transport assistance for older voters up to the main gate. It also urged the authorities to strengthen home voting options with advance awareness and enrolment for people above 85 years of age, persons with disabilities, and bedridden or medically fragile individuals.
The JAC also requested special registration and voting support for senior citizens living in old age homes across Maharashtra.
The organisation said it hopes the Election Commission will adopt these measures for the upcoming elections.
It stated that with special attention to voters aged 60 and above -- especially those over 85 -- these steps can greatly improve accessibility, safety, and turnout.
The committee said it will continue to raise awareness on social media and is ready to support the Election Commission as volunteers on election day.
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