Elections Dept mulls advanced voting system

The Elections Department is contemplating an advanced voting system for workers in the State and private sector who do not qualify for postal voting.

The Elections Commissioner Mahinda Deshapriya said the facility will be given to employees who are on compulsory work shifts such as Electricity Board security staff and engineers, those working in the highway toll gates and private hospital staff.

The workers will be allowed to vote in advance only during national elections; Presidential, Parliamentary and in a Referendum. Approximately half of the entire staff will be allowed to register for advance voting.

The Commissioner said advance voting is not similar to postal vote, adding that the Department is looking for ways to minimise the number of postal votes due to high costs involved.

For one postal vote the Department is currently spending Rs. 300. Around 100,000 limited number will be facilitated for advanced voting that is expected to come into effect in the near future.

- MF