How to Vote in India? - Process, Eligibility, Documents, Registration

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How to Vote in India

Voting is a fundamental right and a crucial responsibility of every citizen in a democratic nation like India. It allows individuals to have a voice in shaping the country’s future. This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to vote in India, covering various aspects such as registration, eligibility criteria, voting timings, online voting, and the necessary forms required for voter registration. We will also discuss the vital role played by the Election Commission of India in conducting free and fair elections.

Voting Eligibility Criteria in India

To be eligible to vote in India, you must fulfill the following criteria:

You must be a citizen of India.
You should be at least 18 years old as of the qualifying date set by the Election Commission.
You must have your name included in the electoral roll of your constituency.
You should possess a valid voter ID card or an EPIC (Electors’ Photo Identity Card).

How to Register to Vote in India

Registering as a voter is the first step to exercise your right to vote. Follow these steps to register:

Visit the official website https://eci.gov.in/.
Look for the ‘National Voters’ Service Portal’ or ‘Voter Registration’ section on the website.
Fill in the required details in the online registration form, including personal information, address, and identity proof.
Upload the necessary documents, such as a passport-sized photograph and identity/address proof.
Submit the form online or visit the nearest Electoral Registration Office to complete the registration process.

Documents Required to Register to Vote in India

To register to vote in India, you will need to provide the following documents:

ID Proof (any one of the following):

Aadhaar card
Passport
Driving license
PAN card
Student identification card

Address Proof (any one of the following):

Bank/Kisan/Post Office passbook
Ration Card
Aadhaar card
Passport
Driving license
Income tax assessment order
Rental agreement
Recent utility bills (water, telephone, electricity, or gas) in the applicant’s name or their immediate relatives
Any post/letter/mail delivered through the Indian Postal Department in the applicant’s name at their residence

Age Proof (if required, any one of the following):

Aadhaar card
Passport
Driving license
PAN card
Birth certificate issued by a municipal authority or district office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths
Marksheet of class 10, 8, or 5 if it contains the date of birth
Document containing date of birth from the applicant’s most recent educational institution

Additional Documents:

Recent passport-sized photograph for identification
In case the address proof is not in the applicant’s name, an affidavit from the landlord or a family member stating the applicant’s residence is required, along with proof of relationship (birth certificate for parents, marriage certificate for spouse)

You can register to vote by filling out Form 6 and submitting it along with the required documents to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your Assembly Constituency, either online through the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP) or offline at a voter registration center.

Forms Required for Registering to Vote in India

When registering as a voter, certain forms are required, depending on the nature of the application. Some commonly used forms include:

Form 6: Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll (for new voters).
Form 6A: Application for inclusion of name in the electoral roll by an overseas elector.
Form 7: Application for deletion or objection to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll.
Form 8: Application for correction of details in the electoral roll.
Form 8A: Application for transposition of an entry in the electoral roll (change of constituency).

Name in Voter List / Electoral Roll

When your name is appeared in the Electoral Roll only then you are eligible to vote and to check your name in the voter list or electoral roll in India, you can follow these steps:

Visit the National Voters’ Services Portal (NVSP) at https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/ or the National Government Services Portal at https://services.india.gov.in/service/detail/.
On the NVSP website, you can search for your name by entering your details such as first name, last name, assembly constituency name, state, and gender. A district-wise search option is also available.
On the National Government Services Portal, you can search for your name in the voter list by selecting your state, district, and providing other required details like your first name, last name, and gender.

These services are provided by the Election Commission of India, and you can use them to ensure that your name is correctly listed in the electoral roll before voting in any election

How to Vote in India Offline Process

To vote in India offline during an election, you can follow these steps:

Check Your Name in the Voter List

Ensure your name appears in the Voter List (also known as the Electoral Roll). You can verify your name by:

Visiting electoralsearch.in
Calling the Voter Helpline 1950 (add your STD code before dialling)
Sending an SMS to 1950 with your EPIC number (Voter ID card number)

Find Polling booth

Use the Voter Helpline App or visit electoralsearch.in to locate your polling booth. You can also call the Voter Helpline or send an SMS to 1950 with your details to find the polling station location.

Voting Process at the Polling Booth

At the polling booth, the first polling official will check your name on the voter list and verify your ID proof.
The second official will ink your finger, give you a slip, and take your signature on a register (Form 17A).
Deposit the slip at the third polling official, show your inked finger, and proceed to the polling booth.
Record your vote by pressing the ballot button opposite the symbol of your chosen candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). You will hear a beep sound.
Check the slip that appears in the transparent window of the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine. The slip will display the Candidate serial No., Name, and Symbol for 7 seconds before dropping into the sealed VVPAT box.
If you do not wish to vote for any candidate, you can press the NOTA (None of the Above) button, which is the last button on the EVM.

Mandatory Identity Proof

Carry any of the following recognized ID cards to the polling booth:

EPIC (Voter ID card)
Passport
Driving License
Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies
Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office
PAN Card
Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)
Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
Pension document with photograph
Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
Aadhaar Card

Remember, mobile phones, cameras, or any other gadgets are not allowed inside the polling booth.

How to use EVM (VVPAT)

To vote using an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in India, follow these steps:

Identification: The presiding officer or a polling officer will confirm your identity at the polling booth.
Activation: The officer will activate the ballot unit for your vote by pressing the “Ballot” button on the control unit.
Voting: Enter the voting compartment and cast your vote by pressing the blue button on the balloting unit corresponding to your chosen candidate’s symbol and name.
Verification: After pressing the button, the VVPAT attached to the EVM will print a slip with the name and symbol of the candidate you voted for. This slip will be visible to you through a transparent window for about 7 seconds before it drops into a sealed box.
Completion: Once you have verified your vote on the VVPAT slip, exit the voting compartment. The polling officer will then press the “Close” button on the control unit to prevent any further votes from being cast on that EVM.
Storage: After the polling is closed, the ballot unit is disconnected from the control unit and stored separately.

Please note that the EVM will not accept any votes once the “Close” button is pressed by the polling officer after the last voter has voted

How to Vote in India Online

The Election Commission of India has taken initiatives to facilitate online voting. Currently, online voting is not available for the general public in India. However, certain categories of voters, such as service voters and overseas Indian voters, can cast their votes online through designated channels. For regular voters, physical presence at the polling booth is mandatory.

Steps to Check Voter Registration Status Online

To check your voter registration status online in India, you can follow these steps:

Online through NVSP: Visit the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) website. Click on the ‘Application status’ link and enter the reference ID provided to you at the time of application. Your application status will then be displayed on the screen .
Via Call: You can also check your voter ID application status by calling the toll-free number 1950. Follow the instructions provided during the call to learn about your application status .
Via SMS: In some states, the Election Commission sends an SMS alert about the status of your voter ID application. If your application was successful, you will receive an SMS indicating whether your application was accepted or rejected .

Remember, you need to have the reference ID handy that was issued to you during your application to check your status via any of these methods. If you’re a first-time voter or if you’ve made any changes to your existing voter ID, these methods allow you to easily track the progress of your application from the comfort of your home.

How to Cast Vote Online in India (For Special Categories)

Service Voters: Members of the armed forces, central armed police forces, and government employees posted abroad can register as service voters. They can vote through a special postal ballot system or through electronic means as designated by the ECI.
Overseas Indian Voters: Non-resident Indians (NRIs) who are eligible to vote can enroll themselves as overseas voters. They can cast their vote through postal ballots or through the Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS).

How to Vote India in Hindi

वोट डालना एक महत्वपूर्ण अधिकार है और हर नागरिक की एक महत्वपूर्ण ज़िम्मेदारी है। भारत में वोट करने के लिए आपको वोटर पंजीकरण, पात्रता मानदंड, वोट करने का समय, वेब पर वोट करने की प्रक्रिया और पंजीकरण के लिए आवश्यक फॉर्मों के बारे में जानकारी होनी चाहिए। इस लेख में हमने वोट करने के सभी इन तथ्यों को विस्तार से वर्णित किया है।

Functions of the Election Commission of India

The Election Commission of India is an autonomous constitutional body responsible for overseeing and conducting elections in the country. Its key functions include:

Preparing and updating electoral rolls.
Establishing polling booths and appointing election officials.
Implementing the Model Code of Conduct.
Facilitating voter registration and issuing voter ID cards.
Monitoring election campaigns and addressing complaints related to electoral malpractices.
Conducting free, fair, and transparent elections.

Roles And Responsibility of Election Commission

The Election Commission of India (ECI) is an independent constitutional authority tasked with overseeing and managing elections in India. Formed on January 25, 1950, pursuant to Article 324 of the Constitution, the ECI ensures the integrity and fairness of elections for the Parliament, State Legislatures, and the offices of the President and Vice President of India.

Key roles and responsibilities of the ECI include:

Overseeing Elections: The ECI is responsible for supervising, directing, and conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures, as well as for the President and Vice President.
Establishing Electoral Guidelines: It formulates general guidelines for elections, defines constituencies, and compiles voter lists.
Managing Political Parties: The ECI oversees political parties, registers them for election eligibility, and oversees their campaign spending. It also mandates that parties submit their annual reports for tax advantages and audited financial statements.
Assigning Election Symbols: The ECI assigns symbols to various political parties and individual candidates.
Creating Tribunals: It establishes tribunals to settle disputes related to elections.
Advisory and Semi-judicial Roles: The ECI has advisory authority, such as recommending the disqualification of Members of Parliament to the President, and semi-judicial roles, such as acting as a tribunal to resolve conflicts over political party recognition and election symbols.
Model Code of Conduct: It issues a Model Code of Conduct for political parties and candidates to adhere to during elections.
Electoral Reforms: The ECI is engaged in electoral reforms, including the Model Code of Conduct, candidate background disclosure, and registration of political parties to ensure internal democracy.

The ECI functions independently, with its autonomy protected by the Constitution. The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners are appointed by the President and enjoy secure tenure. The ECI’s decisions are reached by majority vote, with the CEC casting the deciding vote in the event of a tie.

Frequently Asked Questions on How to Vote India

Who can vote in India?

In India, citizens who are at least 18 years old and possess a valid voter ID card or EPIC (Electors' Photo Identity Card) are eligible to vote. Additionally, the person must be a citizen of India and have their name included in the electoral roll of their respective constituency.

How to vote in India Elections 2019?

o vote in the Indian elections in 2019 (or any other year), the process generally involves the following steps: Ensure you are registered as a voter by checking your name on the electoral roll. Locate your polling booth using the Voter Helpline app, Election Commission's website, or contacting the local Election Office. Visit the designated polling booth on the specified date and time. Present your EPIC (voter ID card) or any other approved identification document. Cast your vote by pressing the button corresponding to your preferred candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

How to Vote in elections?

o vote in elections in India, follow these general steps: Ensure you are a registered voter by checking your name on the electoral roll. Find your designated polling booth through the Voter Helpline app, Election Commission's website, or by contacting the local Election Office. Visit the polling booth on the election day during the specified timings. Present your valid voter ID card or any other approved identification document. Cast your vote by following the instructions provided, such as pressing the button or marking the ballot paper for your preferred candidate.

How to Register to Vote in India?

To register to vote in India, follow these steps: Visit the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Look for the National Voters Service Portal or Voter Registration section on the website. Fill in the required details in the online registration form, including personal information, address, and identity proof. Upload the necessary documents, such as a passport-sized photograph and identity/address proof. Submit the form online or visit the nearest Electoral Registration Office to complete the registration process.

Who gave the right to vote in India?

The right to vote in India was granted through various constitutional amendments and acts. The Constitution of India, which came into effect on January 26, 1950, ensured the right to vote as a fundamental right of every citizen. Over the years, amendments and legislation have been enacted to further enhance and safeguard this right, ensuring fair and free elections.

Why is voting important to democracy?

Voting is crucial to democracy for several reasons: Representation: It allows citizens to elect representatives who will make decisions on their behalf in legislative bodies. Participation: Voting provides an opportunity for citizens to actively participate in shaping the governance of their country. Accountability: Through voting, citizens can hold elected officials accountable for their actions and policies. Social Change: Voting empowers citizens to bring about social change by supporting candidates or initiatives aligned with their values and goals. Protecting Rights: Voting helps safeguard individual rights and liberties by electing leaders who support and protect these rights. Equality: Every vote has equal value, ensuring that every citizens voice is heard, regardless of their socioeconomic status, gender, or background.