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How to Vote India: A Detailed Guide

 Welcome to our comprehensive guide on "How to Vote in India," designed to help every eligible voter understand the crucial steps needed to participate in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Whether you're a first-time voter or need a refresher on the process, this blog will provide all the necessary information to ensure you can vote confidently and correctly. We've covered you, from registration to finding your polling station and understanding what ID to bring. Let’s prepare to make your voice heard in India's democratic process! 

How to vote in India online and offline 

You can vote only if your name is included in the Voter List, also called the Electoral Roll. Additionally, voters can access information about polling booths, candidates contesting the election, dates and times of elections, identification requirements, and details on Electronic Voting Machines (EVM). Here are the steps

Step 1: Ensure You Are Eligible to Vote

To vote in India, you must:

• Be an Indian citizen.
• Be at least 18 on the qualifying date (January 1 of the year of the electoral roll revision).
• Be registered in the electoral roll of the constituency where you reside.
• Not be disqualified from voting due to any legally declared reasons.

Step 2: Register to Vote

If you still need to register, you can apply to be added to the electoral roll. Registration can be online through the National Voters' Services Portal (NVSP) or by filling out Form 6, available at Electoral Registration Offices, Assistant Electoral Registration Officer's offices, and Booth Level Officers’ premises.

Step 3: Check Your Voter ID Card

Once registered, you will receive a Voter ID card. This essential document is proof of registration and identity at the polling station. Ensure your details on the card are correct. If there are errors, they can be corrected by submitting Form 8 online or at the offices mentioned above.

Step 4: Know Your Polling Station

Your polling station will be mentioned on your voter ID card. It can also be found online on the NVSP site. Polling stations are usually located in public facilities within your voting constituency.

Step 5: Familiarize Yourself with the Voting Process

Voting in India is conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs), which have two units, the control unit and the balloting unit, connected by a cable. The EVMs display the candidates' names and symbols.

Step 6: Cast Your Vote

On election day:

• Carry your Voter ID card and another government-issued ID to the polling station.
• Follow the signs to the correct line for your polling booth.
• Once you turn, the polling official will check your ID, mark your finger with indelible ink, and activate the EVM.
• Enter the booth, and press the button next to your chosen Candidate's name and symbol on the Balloting Unit. You will hear a beep sound, indicating your vote has been cast.
• Verify the slip in the Voter-Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine that confirms your vote before it drops into the sealed VVPAT box.

Step 7: Rights and Responsibilities

• If your vote has already been cast illegally in your name, you can still vote by filling out a 'tendered vote' form.
• It’s illegal to divulge whom you voted for, as this compromises the secrecy of the ballot.

Step 8: Keep Informed

The Election Commission of India provides updates, election dates, and all required information through various media and its official website. Stay updated with credible news sources and official announcements for any changes in the voting process.

IAS Full form 

Process of How Do I vote in person in India?

• First Polling Official: Checks your name on the voter list and verifies your ID proof.
• Second Polling Official: Applies ink to your finger, issues a slip, and records your signature on a register (Form 17A).
• Third Polling Official: You must hand over the slip, show your inked finger, and proceed to the booth.
• Voting Process: To cast your vote, press the ballot button next to your chosen Candidate’s symbol on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); you will hear a beep sound.
• Verify Your Vote: Observe the slip displayed in the VVPAT machine’s transparent window, which shows the Candidate's serial number, name, and symbol for 7 seconds before it falls into the sealed VVPAT box.
• Option to Vote NOTA: If you prefer not to vote for any candidates, you can select "NOTA" (None of the Above) as the last button on the EVM.

Required Identification for Voting

When heading to the polling station, you can use any of the following approved documents to confirm your identity:

• EPIC (Voter ID card)
• Passport
• Driving License
• Service Identity Cards with photographs issued to employees by Central/State Governments, PSUs, or Public Limited Companies
• Passbooks with Photographs issued by Bank or Post Office
• PAN Card
• Smart Card issued by RGI under the National Population Register (NPR)
• MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act)
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour
• Pension Documents with Photograph
• Official Identity Cards issued to MPs, MLAs, MLCs
• Aadhaar Card

It's essential to ensure that the ID you present has a clear, recognizable photo and is currently valid, not expired. This helps to verify your identity accurately and facilitates a smooth voting process.

When are the elections in India

This table clearly shows how the elections are scheduled across different phases, states, and the number of constituencies involved.

How to Vote India if you are residing outside India

Suppose you are an Indian citizen living outside India (NRI or Overseas Elector) and wish to vote in Indian elections (such as Lok Sabha or state legislative assemblies). In that case, you must follow a specific registration and voting process tailored to overseas voters. Here's a step-by-step guide on how you can enrol and vote from abroad:

Getting Started as an Overseas Elector

• Check Eligibility: You must be a citizen of India, absent from the country due to employment, education, etc., have yet to acquire citizenship of any other country, and be otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter at the address mentioned in your passport.

• Locate Your Polling Station: Use interactive tools or visit the Election Commission of India's website to find your area's polling station and Election Officers' contact details.

Enroll as an Overseas Elector

Fill Enrolment Form (Form 6A):

• Online: Complete and submit Form 6A on the Voter Portal at https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/. You will need to upload the required documents digitally.
• Offline: Download Form 6A from the Election Commission of India's website, www.eci.gov.in. Fill out two copies of the form, which are available for free at Indian Missions abroad.

Documents Required:

• A recent passport-size colored photograph affixed to Form 6A.
• Self-attested photocopies of the relevant passport pages (photo, address in India, all pages containing personal details).
• A page of the passport with a valid visa endorsement.

Submission on how to vote India

• By Post: Send the form and self-attested photocopies of the required documents by post.
• Alternatively, submit the form and documents in person to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO of your constituency. If submitted in person, the original passport may need to be shown for verification.

Verification Process

1. Verification at the Address in India: A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit the home address mentioned in your passport to verify the document copies. If no relative can verify, the documents may be sent to the concerned Indian Mission for verification.
2. Communication: The ERO's decision will be communicated to you via post and SMS at the contact details provided in Form 6A.

Voting Process for Overseas Electors

1. No EPIC Issued: Overseas electors are not issued an Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
2. Voting In-Person: On election day, you can vote in person at the polling station associated with your registered address in India. You must present your original passport at the polling station to cast your vote.

Important Points to Remember on how to vote India

• You can be enrolled on up to one electoral roll. When enrolling as an overseas voter, ensure you declare that you are not registered as a general elector.
• If you were previously registered as a general voter, you should surrender your EPIC along with the submission of Form 6A.
• When you return to India, you can register as a general elector at your ordinary residence.
• You are allowed only one vote and should vote for only one Candidate.

This process ensures your participation in India's democratic process, even when you are residing abroad. 

Conclusion on How to Vote India

Voting is not just a right but a duty. By casting your vote, you contribute to shaping the nation's future. Remember, every vote counts and your participation in the democratic process is crucial to its success.