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Voting is not only a right; it's a responsibility for every citizen of India.
It provides citizens with the opportunity to choose their preferred ruling party based on their ideals and aspirations. The Election Commission of India (ECI) stands as the authoritative body, wielding the power to conduct and announce results for elections at every level across the nation.
It is not just an individual right but a collective expression that shapes the destiny of the nation.
The Election Commission of India welcomes you to be an active participant in shaping the future through the power of your vote.
Voter Awareness: A Pillar of Democracy
Empowering citizens through knowledge is the essence of voter awareness. From informative campaigns to easy access to election details, staying informed shapes responsible and impactful participation in our democratic journey.
Voter awareness begins with understanding the electoral process. Educating citizens about their rights and responsibilities fosters a sense of empowerment, enabling them to make informed choices.
Be an informed voter, be the voice of change.
Here we have curated every required detail you need to know about eligibility criteria, voter registration, tracking the application status, steps to vote in India, and types of elections in India.
How to Vote India - Eligibility Requirements
To participate in the democratic process of voting in India, individuals must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age - The minimum age for eligibility is 18 years as of January 1 of the year of registration.
- Nationality - Individuals must be Indian citizens.
- Residence - Voters should be residents of the constituency where they want to register.
Voter Registration
In order to cast a vote, you should be a registered voter.
Register To Vote in India - Online
Follow these simple steps to register to vote in India through an online process.
Step 1: First visit the National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP) website.
Visit -> https://voters.eci.gov.in/.
Step 2: Download the Form 6 from the NVSP website.
Step 3: Fill up the Form 6 with accurate details. Ensure all fields are filled correctly to avoid any discrepancies during verification.
Step 4: Once the form is filled, submit it to your local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for verification.
Step 5: After that, your submitted details will undergo verification.
Step 6: Upon successful verification, your name will be added to the official voter list. This grants you the privilege to participate in the democratic process.
Step 7: After the addition of your details, a confirmation from your end is required to finalize the registration process.
Confirm Your Voter Registration - Online
Step 1: Access the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) Website.
Visit ->https://voters.eci.gov.in/.
Step 2: Enter your unique Reference ID and select your registered state.
Note: This ID can be found on the acknowledgement slip received after submitting your application.
Step 4: Review the details displayed to confirm the completeness of your voter registration. Ensure all the personal information is mentioned correctly.
Make Changes if Necessary
Check For Voter Registration Status
Step 1: Login to the NVSP website.Step 2: Find and click the "Track Application Status" option.Step 3: Enter your Reference ID as well as choose the state where you are registered to vote.Step 4: When you want to track the status of your application, click "Track Status"Your voter registration status will be promptly displayed on the screen.
Register To Vote In India - Offline
Step 1: Go to the Booth Level Officer’s (BLO) Office.
Step 2: Collect Form 6, the essential document for offline voter registration, directly from the BLO.
Step 3: Complete Form 6, providing accurate details about yourself.
Step 4: Along with the Form 6, submit essential documents, including Aadhar card, birth certificate, and two passport-sized photos, to support your application.
Step 5: The BLO will verify your submitted form and documents to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Step 6: Upon successful verification, you will be issued a Voter ID, solidifying your status as a registered voter.
Additional Information:
To facilitate the registration process, submit a photocopy of a family member's voter ID. If unavailable, the ID card of a neighbor can be presented.In case any of the required documents are missing, provide an affidavit explaining the circumstances.
Check For Voter Registration Status
Step 1: Visit the Electoral Search Website.
Click here -> https://voters.eci.gov.in/.Step 2: Confirm your registration status by searching for your name in the electoral list.
Step 3: If your name appears on the electoral list, you are already a registered voter.
Unregistered Status:If your name doesn't appear, it indicates that you are not yet registered. Visit the website to initiate the voter registration process.
Forms And Its Significance - Required To Register to Vote India
Each form serves a specific purpose, ensuring a smooth process for individuals in various situations.
For General Voters:
Form 6: Register as a first-time voter or change your constituency.
For Non-Resident Indians (NRIs):
Form 6A: NRIs can utilize this form for their voter registration.
For Information Modifications:
Form 7: Make changes to any details in your electoral roll entry.
For Personal Information Updates:
Form 8: Update personal details like name, photo, age, address, date of birth, name of a relative, type of relation, or gender, and more about yourself.
How To Cast A Vote In India?
Voting is a fundamental right for every citizen in India. The electoral process gives the power to the citizens to actively participate in shaping the nation's future by choosing the leadership they need.
Go through the essential steps on how to vote in India.
Step 1: Check your eligibility and register to vote in India. It can be done either way - Online or Offline.
Step 2: Familiarize yourself with your constituency and the candidates contesting in your area.
Step 3: Ensure you possess a Voter ID card that serves as your identification during the voting process.
Step 4: A few weeks before the election, verify your name on the electoral roll. This can be done online or at your nearest polling station. Ensure all details are accurate.
Step 5: Know the location of your designated polling booth. Make sure to plan your visit accordingly to avoid any last-minute hassles.
Step 6: On the day of the election, carry your Voter ID and reach the polling booth during the specified voting hours.
Step 7: Inside the polling booth, follow the instructions of the election officials. Cast your vote securely and confidentially.
Additional information:
NOTA - "None of the Above," is an option available on Indian electoral voting machines that allows voters to express their dissatisfaction with the available choices in a given election without favoring any particular candidate or party.Step 8: After casting your vote, ensure the vote is correctly registered. Report any discrepancies to the presiding officer immediately.
Types of Elections in India
National Elections
The grandest of them all, national elections determine who will represent India at the highest level – the Parliament. Citizens cast their votes to elect Members of Parliament (MPs) who, in turn, play a pivotal role in national decision-making.State Elections
At the state level, elections decide the composition of the State Legislative Assembly. Voters elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), influencing regional policies and governance.Local Body Elections
These elections focus on governance, empowering citizens at the local level. Residents participate in electing representatives for Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Panchayats, directly impacting community development.Presidential and Vice-Presidential Elections
Occurring at periodic intervals, these elections determine the President and Vice-President of India. Electoral College votes play a significant role in deciding the outcome.FAQs on How to Vote India:
1. How do I check if I'm eligible to vote?
Eligibility is based on age and citizenship. Citizens aged 18 and above are eligible. Ensure you have a valid identity proof and address proof.
2. Where to check voter registration status?
To participate in the voting process, it is essential that your name is included in the Voter List, also referred to as the electoral roll. Ensure your eligibility by following any of the methods below:
- Visit https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in to check and verify your name on the Voter List.
- Dial the Voter Helpline at 1950 (don't forget to include your STD code before dialing) to confirm your inclusion in the list.
- Send an SMS to 1950 with the message format: ECI
. For instance, if your EPIC is 12345678, send ECI 12345678 to 1950. - Download the Voter Helpline App on Android or iOS platforms for a convenient way to confirm your voter registration status.
3. Can I vote if I live in a different state than my registered address?
Yes, you can. Utilize the option of absentee voting or transfer your voter registration to your current location.
4. What if I can't find my name in the voter list?
Check the electoral roll online or contact the Electoral Registration Officer. Ensure your details are updated during voter registration drives.
5. How to Cast Your Vote in Person?
- The initial polling official will verify your presence on the voter list and confirm your identity using an ID proof.
- Following that, the second polling official will mark your finger with ink, provide you with a slip, and request your signature on Form 17A, which is a register.
- Afterward, you need to submit the slip to the third polling official, display your inked finger, and proceed to the polling booth.
- To cast your vote, press the ballot button corresponding to the symbol of your chosen candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). A beep sound will indicate the successful recording of your vote.
- Check the slip visible in the transparent window of the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) machine. It displays the candidate's serial number, name, and symbol for 7 seconds before dropping into the sealed VVPAT box.
- If you do not support any candidate, you have the option to press NOTA (None of the Above), which is the last button on the EVM.
- Remember, electronic devices such as mobile phones and cameras are not permitted inside the polling booth.
6. How can I verify my polling booth?
Check your voter ID card or use the Election Commission's website/app to find your polling booth details.
7. Can I vote if my name is misspelled in the voter list?
Yes, as long as your identity can be verified. Bring additional ID proof to the polling station.