Ensuring equal participation for persons with mental illness, the Institute of Mental Health (IMH) is preparing for the fourth elections, with 100 of its residents, all set to vote in the upcoming Assembly polls on April 23. Not only residents of IMH, but those from NGO-run facilities, including The Banyan and Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), will also be voting.
It was in 2019 that the over two centuries old IMH scripted history after 156 of its residents voted for the first time in the Lok Sabha polls. At an auxiliary polling booth set up on the campus, they cast their votes for the Chennai Central Lok Sabha constituency. This was followed by the 2021 Assembly polls when 84 residents voted. At least 50 residents exercised their democratic right to vote in the 2024 general elections.
IMH director M. Malaiappan said that while 150 residents were on the electoral roll, the number was revised to 100 after accounting for individuals including those who were discharged following treatment. IMH falls under the Villivakkam Assembly Constituency and a separate booth will be set up on the campus.
“These residents have improved with treatment. They have access to newspapers, television, and radio in their wards. Many of them regularly follow news and keep them updated about current affairs. Their fitness is determined, and we see if they have the ability to understand and think, if they have the capacity to decide and whether they are aware of elections. Those with severe intellectual disability do not vote,” he said. The institute is planning to educate the residents about voting and its importance, Dr. Malaiappan added.
