Election Commission Eases Voting Process for Kashmiri Migrant Voters

April 13, 2024

The Election Commission of India has eliminated the requirement for Kashmiri migrant voters in Jammu and Udhampur districts of J&K to fill out ‘Form M’ to vote in the Lok Sabha polls.

This decision comes after years of demand from displaced voters in the region. However, migrants residing outside of these districts will still need to submit ‘Form M’, but can now self-attest the certificate required, instead of needing it attested by a gazetted officer. These changes were made in response to difficulties faced by Kashmiri migrant groups in filling out Form M for every election.

The J&K chief electoral officer has supported these changes, which aim to streamline the voting process for displaced voters.

Under the new system, Kashmiri migrant electors will be mapped with special polling stations in the zones they are registered or residing in, eliminating the need for Form M. The EC noted that the previous procedure created unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for Kashmiri migrant voters.

About Form M

The Election Commission of India had instructed Kashmiri migrant voters residing in the Jammu and Udhampur districts of Jammu and Kashmir to fill out ‘Form M’ to cast their votes in the upcoming elections. This form allows them to vote from their current place of residence, rather than having to return to their original constituencies in the Kashmir Valley. The move aims to facilitate the participation of displaced Kashmiri Pandits in the electoral process and ensure their fundamental right to vote.

‘Form M’ is only applicable to Kashmiri migrants residing in the Jammu and Udhampur districts, excluding those living in other parts of the country or abroad. This process us cumbersome and time consuming and leads to delays in the inclusion of eligible voters in the electoral rolls. Many Kashmiri migrants may not be aware of the ‘Form M’ facility or the process to fill it out, leading to potential exclusion from the voting process.

About ECI

Election Commission of India was established in 1950 under Article 324 and is responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections at all levels – from local bodies to the Parliament. The ECI ensures fair and free elections by enforcing the Model Code of Conduct, monitoring election expenses, and ensuring equal opportunities for all political parties. It also registers political parties and settles disputes related to elections.

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