Indian Expat in Dubai Casts Two Votes in Kerala Election

Apr 10, 2026

66 min

Apr 10, 2026 00:30

Indian expat in Dubai casts two votes in Kerala Assembly Election 2026

## Unique Voting Experience

An Indian expatriate residing in Dubai, Babu MC, legally cast two votes in the 2026 Kerala Assembly Election. This unusual situation arose due to a lesser-known electoral rule that allows companion voting for visually impaired or physically infirm individuals.

## Companion Voting Explained

Companion voting permits a designated person to vote on behalf of someone unable to do so independently. In Babu's case, he voted for his mother, who is over 80 and visually impaired. This process involves submitting an official letter to the polling officer, and the companion voter's right index finger is inked to signify the vote cast on behalf of another.

## Personal and Democratic Significance

Babu, who traveled to his hometown with his wife Shyna, expressed pride in participating in the democratic process. This was his first time voting twice, as he was previously not on the voters' list for local elections. Shyna also cherished the opportunity to vote after a long hiatus and appreciated the chance to accompany both their mothers to the polling booth.

## Calls for Improved Accessibility

The incident has sparked discussions about improving accessibility for visually impaired voters in India. While companion voting is a temporary solution, advocates are pushing for more independent voting options, such as audio-enabled VVPAT machines, to ensure full autonomy for all voters.

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