How to Register to Vote in India: A Quick and Easy Guide

If you are looking for how to register to vote in india then you are at the right place. In a democracy, voting is both a fundamental right and a necessary component. Voting in India enhances the democratic process while enabling you to voice your preferences. This tutorial will take you step-by-step through the registration procedure for voters in India. This blog will assist you with easily registering to vote in India, regardless of whether you’re a new voter or someone who recently migrated.

The Significance of Voting

Selecting leaders is not the only purpose of voting. It’s about speaking up and taking an active role in determining your nation’s destiny. Since India is the greatest democracy in the world, every vote matters and the variety of views influences the way the country is run. Your participation ensures the taking of decisions based on a true reflection of the will of the people.

Eligibility to Vote in India

First, it is significant that one checks whether he/she is eligible for voting in India, and here they are:

• You should have acquired the citizenship of India.
• You have to have attained an age of at least 18 years as of January 1st of the year of enrollment.
• You should have a permanent residence in the area where you’re seeking to register as a voter.

Documents Required for Voter Registration

In India, at the time of registration as a voter, you are going to need the following documents;

1. Proof of Identity: Any photo ID issued by the government, such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, passport, driving license, or any such similar document.
2. Proof of Age: Birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or any such document acceptable to the government for ascertaining your age.
3. Proof of Address: Utility bills, including electricity and water bills; house rental agreement; or any government or official correspondence mentioning your house address.

Step-by-Step Process how to Register to Vote in India

Now that you’re eligible, here’s how you can register to vote in India:

1. Online Registration through Voters.eci.gov.in

Online registration through the National Voters’ Service Portal is the most straightforward and time-saving way to be registered as a voter in India. Here’s how:

• Visit the official website: https://voters.eci.gov.in/.
• Click the option ‘Register as a New Voter’.
• Fill up Form 6, which is the form for adding your name to the voter list.
• Fill in the details like name, age, date of birth, sex, and address.
• Scan and upload the passport-size photo and required documents for proof of identity and proof of residence.
• Submit the form and note down the reference number to check the application status.

2. Offline Registration

To register offline, one can do so by performing the following:

• Approach the nearest ERO or any election office set up in your area.
• Obtain a copy of Form 6, which is for inclusion of your name in the electoral roll.
• Fill out the form correctly, mentioning your name, age, sex, address, etc.
• Attach a passport photograph along with attested copies of proof of address, identity, and age.
• Now the form should be submitted to the election office. On submission of the same, one gets an acknowledgment slip to keep with him that would have the details to track the application status.

3. Register via Mobile App

In the digital age, mobile apps have made voting registration easier. You can use the Voter Helpline App, available on both Android and iOS platforms, to register to vote. Here’s how:

• Download the Voter Helpline App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• Open the app and choose the option ‘New Voter Registration’.
• You will need to fill out Form 6 and upload the necessary documents like you would on the NVSP website.
• Once the form is submitted, you can track the application status via the app.

How to Track Your Application Status

After submitting your voter registration application, you can track its progress online:

• Go to the voters.eci.gov.in website.
• Click on ‘Track Application Status’.
• Enter the reference number you received during the application process.
• You will be able to see whether your application is under review, approved, or if additional information is needed.

What to Do If You’ve Changed Your Address

If you have relocated to a new city or even within the same city, then it’s imperative that your voter registration is updated to be able to vote from the new location. Form 8: Here’s how to do it:

• Visit the Voters.eci.gov.in portal or the Voter Helpline App.
• Select ‘Correction of Entries’ or ‘Change of Address’.
• Fill in the relevant particulars and attach the required documents, including proof of your new address.

Alternatively, You may visit the nearest election office and get it done in person by filling Form 8.

Important Deadlines to Remember for Voter Registration

Register yourself with the Election Commission of India before the closing date so that you are able to vote in the coming elections. For most of the elections, the registration closes 30 days prior to the date of election.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Registering

1. Providing Incorrect Information: Provide the correct information and match it with your government documents.
2. Not meeting the Deadline: One should always register well in advance to avoid problems at the last minute.
3. Not updating of Address: If one has shifted then always update your voter details, so that one does not get any confusion on the election day.

Voting for NRIs: How Non-Resident Indians Can Register

NRIs, too, can enroll as voters in India. NRIs are supposed to fill out Form 6A designed for their benefit. Here is the process that can be followed by them for enrollment in the electoral rolls:

• Log in to voter.eci.gov.in or visit the nearest Indian embassy for enrolment.
• They will have to fill in Form 6A and send along with the passport and proof of stay abroad.
• NRI voters can thus vote in person in their respective constituencies in India on the day when the election faces.

How to Check Your Name in the Voter List

Once you are registered as a voter, it is very important to check whether your name has been included in the list of voters. It can be easily done in the following way:

• Visit the voter.eci.gov.in website.
• Click the option ‘Search Your Name in the Electoral Roll’.
• Enter details like your name, age, and constituency.
• If your name comes up on the list, that means you are successfully registered and will get to vote.

Why You Should Register to Vote

• Shape the Future: Voting is your chance to have a say in how your community, state, and nation are governed.
• Hold Leaders Accountable: Voting is one of the ways you can hold politicians accountable for their policies and promises.
• Civic Duty: Participating in elections strengthens democracy and ensures a government that represents the people.

Tips for First-Time Voters

1. Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with your voting rights, including how to report any issues you encounter.
2. Know Your Polling Station: Ensure you know where your designated polling station is located.
3. Carry Valid ID: When you go to vote, carry a valid ID as per the Election Commission’s requirements.

FAQs About Voter Registration in India

What is the processing time for a voter ID card?
Normally it takes two to three weeks after your application is accepted to receive your voter ID card.