Overview of ETPBS

• ETPBS was developed to cater to the needs of Service voters
• This is a secure system with two layers of security. An OTP and PIN ensure secrecy, and the unique QR Code prevents any duplication of casted Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot (ETPB)
• With this system, eligible service voters can cast their votes from anywhere outside their constituencies
• ETPBS has empowered all eligible service voters, ensuring they can exercise their constitutional right to vote even while serving the nation
• The system is an improvement on the existing Postal Ballot System and offers an easier way for voters to cast their votes. It addresses the time constraints associated with the dispatch of postal ballots

ETPBS was developed and is managed by the Election Commission of India . To learn more about the ECI and Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, you can visit the linked article.

Who are Service Voters?

Service Voters are individuals working in Central Forces under the Arms Act and Government officials deployed in Embassies outside the country. They can enrol online.

Key Features of ETPBS

Below are the main features of the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System:

• Service voters can use the ETPBS service from anywhere outside their constituency
• The system facilitates the creation of service voter electoral roll data
• It is user-friendly, efficient, and hassle-free
• It is a secure system, with two-layer security
• An OTP is needed to download an encrypted Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot file
• The system maintains secrecy and prevents duplication due to the QR code
• A PIN is required to decrypt, print, and deliver ETPB

For more detailed information about election-related activities, organisations, and important dates, you can visit the following links:

ETPBS – Quick Facts

• The Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System was first implemented in 2019 for registering the votes of the Service voters
• Compared to the 2014 General Election, where 13,27,627 registered Service Electors were enrolled, the ETPBS enabled 18,02,646 service voters to register their votes in the 2019 General Elections
• Of the total voters registered in 2019:
  • 10,16,245 were from the Ministry of Defence
  • 7,82,595 were from the Ministry of Home Affairs (Central Armed Police Forces)
  • 3539 were from the Ministry of External Affairs
  • 267 were from State Police
• A total of 18,02,646 postal ballots were dispatched electronically through ETPBS for the 2019 General Elections. In return, 10,84,266 e-postal ballots were received, indicating a 60.14% turnout. This was a significant increase compared to the 4% turnout of service voters in the 2014 General Election

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