Ahead of the polling date?for Karnataka Assembly elections on May 10, the Election Commission?announced the commencement of ballot paper voting, starting from Saturday in Karnataka. The process began with?senior citizens above 80 years of age, and differently-abled voters to vote from their residences.

The vote from home option was introduced for the first time by the Election Commission of India in the Karnataka Assembly election to encourage electoral participation.?On April 29, 31,119 in the age group of 80+ and Persons with Disabilities voted from their home, according to?the Chief Electoral Officer of Karnataka.

According to the election commission, there are 12.15 lakhs voters who are above 80 and 5.55 lakhs PwD voters in the poll bound state.?

Announcing the measure a month ago, while addressing the reporters, Chief Election Commissioner, Rajiv Kumar said, "For the first time the ECI is going to provide the facility to those above 80 years of age. Our teams will go there with a form-12D to exercise their franchise."

Kumar further explained that secrecy will be maintained and the entire process will be videographed. "All the political parties will be informed whenever there is a movement for Voting From Home (VFH)," he said.

Karnataka votes on May 10, with results slated to be declared on May 13.