How to Register to Vote in India?
In India, the process of voter registration is open to all individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria. To cast your ballot in elections, you must first ensure that you are a citizen of India and have reached the age of 18 or above. Once you meet these requirements, the next step is to register yourself as a voter. This registration process is essential and must be completed before you can exercise your right to vote. By completing the registration process, you contribute to the democratic process and ensure that your voice is heard in shaping the future of your nation.
Table of Contents
Eligibility Criteria for Voter Registration
Curious about the prerequisites for getting your name on the voter rolls? Here’s the scoop:
- The applicant must hold Indian citizenship.
- Age Requirement: To qualify, you must have completed a minimum of 18 trips around the sun by the stroke of midnight on January 1 of the registration year.
- Residency Requirement: Your official domicile must align with the constituency from which you’re seeking Enrolments.
Online Voter Registration Process in India:
Registering to vote online in India is a straightforward process. To kick things off, applicants need to complete Form 6, available for download on the NVSP website. Once the form is duly filled out, it must be submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in the respective constituency. Following submission, the information provided will undergo verification, and upon successful completion, the applicant’s name will be added to the voter list. It’s worth noting that voter categories encompass general electors, overseas electors (NRI), and service electors.
Verification of Voter Registration:
To ensure your voter registration is finalized, access the election website and verify your registration details using your unique reference ID. The Election Commission (EC) website provides a platform for applicants to review and update their information on the electoral roll as needed. For direct access to the Election Commission website, follow the provided link.
Offline Voter Registration Process in India:
For those opting for offline voter registration, the process unfolds as follows:
- Begin your voter registration process by visiting the nearest Booth Level Officer (BLO) to acquire Form 6.
- Upon completion, submit Form 6 along with your Aadhar card and documents validating your date of birth and educational qualifications. Should any of these documents be unavailable, an affidavit explaining the circumstances is required.
- Be sure to include two passport-sized photographs of yourself.
- Additionally, provide a photocopy of a family member’s voter ID along with the other documents. If no family member possesses an ID, you may submit a neighbor’s ID card.
- After submitting all necessary documents to the BLO, the verification department will review them and issue your voter ID upon approval.
Essential Forms for Voter Registration:
When it comes to registering to vote, the specific forms needed vary based on different circumstances. Here’s the breakdown:
- For the average voter, Form 6 is the go-to document. This form covers the registration needs of general voters, whether they’re first-timers or seeking a change in their constituency.
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) follow a different path, needing to complete Form 6A.
- Should any changes be necessary regarding an individual’s entry in the electoral roll, Form 7 is the one to fill out.
- For alterations to personal details such as name, photo, address, and more, Form 8 steps in to facilitate the process seamlessly.
Any individual eager to exercise their voting rights but hasn’t yet registered must complete Form 6. This form should then be submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the assembly constituency where the applicant resides. Once the form is submitted and processed, the applicant is officially registered to vote in the upcoming elections.
Checking Voter ID Registration Status:
To verify your voter ID registration status, adhere to these steps:
- Navigate to https://electoralsearch.in/ to access the voter registration status checker.
- Upon checking, if your name is listed in the electoral roll, you’re officially registered as a voter. If not, it’s imperative to initiate the registration process.
- To enlist your name in the voters’ list, visit the provided website.
FAQs on Voter Registration
1) What happens when I register to vote?
When you register to vote, your name is added to the electoral roll, rendering you eligible to participate in elections.
2) How can I confirm my voter registration status?
To verify your voter registration status, simply visit the NVSP website and check your registration status.
3) Do I need to re-register to vote?
Once you’ve registered as a voter, there’s no need to go through the registration process again. Your registration remains valid unless you request changes or move to a new constituency.
4) Is pre-registration to vote available?
No, there’s no provision for pre-registration to vote in India. Registration occurs when an individual meets the eligibility criteria and completes the necessary steps.
5) What documents are required to register to vote?
Address Proof: Options include a ration card, bank passbook, driving license, income tax assessment order, rental agreement, or recent utility bills like water, electricity, or gas.
Date of Birth Proof: This could be a birth certificate issued by the local authority or, if the applicant has completed class 10, their mark sheet can serve as proof. Additionally, a passport, PAN card, driving license, or Aadhar card are acceptable.
Required Forms for Voter Registration:
Various forms cater to different voter registration needs:
- Form 6: Mandatory for general voters, including first-time registrants and those seeking a change in constituency.
- Form 6A: Obligatory for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) wishing to register as voters.
- Form 7: Utilized by applicants aiming to modify their details in the electoral roll.
- Form 8: Used to update various particulars such as name, photo, age, EPIC number, and address, date of birth, relative’s name, relation type, or gender.