Voter Registration Process: How to Register to Vote in India?
India is the largest democracy in the world. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to cast our votes to choose the political parties that can rule the country and states. To vote, you must have a voter ID card, also known as an elector photo ID card. Here we explain how to register for voter ID card in India.
What is voter registration?
In Indian elections, voting is an important part of all people above 18 years of age. However, Indian citizens have to register themselves as voters with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to participate in the voting process and obtain a voter registration or voter ID card.
A voter ID card indicates that an Indian citizen above the age of 18 has been registered in the electoral rolls, a list of people who are eligible to cast their vote. The voter ID card also helps in controlling frauds and streamlining the voting process, a necessary step given the country’s huge population. Registering for Voter Identity Card is a simple process that can be done online.
Importance of voter registration in Indian democracy
Voter registration is mandatory for all Indian citizens above 18 years of age to participate in the voting process. A citizen cannot vote in India if he/she is not registered as a voter. Voting is the bedrock of Indian democracy and is crucial in shaping the Indian political landscape. Voter registration allows citizens to participate in decision-making and exercise their right to vote to elect their representatives.
Eligibility Criteria for Voter Registration in India
- persons fulfilling the following conditions are eligible for voter registration in IndiaCitizen of India
- 18 years of age
- Have a permanent address in India
The person who are not eligible for voter registration:
- A non-resident Indian (NRI) holds citizenship of another country
- A person of unstable mind
- A person guilty of certain crimes
India is the largest democracy in the world. As responsible citizens, it is our duty to cast our votes to choose the political parties that can rule the country and states. To vote, you must have a voter ID card, also known as an elector photo ID card. Here we explain how to register for voter ID card in India.
A voter ID card indicates that an Indian citizen above the age of 18 has been registered in the electoral rolls, a list of people who are eligible to cast their vote. The voter ID card also helps in curbing frauds and streamlining the voting process, a necessary step given the country’s huge population. Enrollment for Voter Identity Card is a simple process which can be done online.
Importance of voter registration in Indian democracy
Voter registration is mandatory for all Indian citizens above 18 years of age to participate in the voting process. A citizen cannot vote in India if he/she is not registered as a voter. . Voter registration allows citizens to participate in decision-making and exercise their right to vote to elect their representatives.
Eligibility Criteria for Voter Registration in India
A Persons Who follow Terms & conditions are eligible for voter registration in India:
- Citizen of India
- 18 years of age
- Have a permanent address in India
- Person who are not eligible for voter registration:
- A non-resident Indian (NRI) holds citizenship of another country
- A person of unstable mind
- A person guilty of certain crimes
- Last date for voter registration is 2024
- Election Commission of India offers online voter registration to Indian citizens on eligible dates i.e. 1st January, 1st April, 1st July and 1st October for revision of electoral roll.
what is The process to register to vote in India before the last date?
How should Indian citizens can register to vote online or offline.
Online Voter Registration
- Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.
- Step 2: Click on the ‘Sign Up’ option at the top right corner of the homepage.
- Step 3: Enter Mobile Number, Email ID and Captcha Code and click ‘Continue’ button.
- Step 4: Enter ‘First Name’, ‘Last Name’, ‘Password’, ‘Confirm Password’ and click ‘Request OTP’ button.
- Step 5: Enter the OTP received on the mobile number and email ID and click the ‘Verify’ button.
- Step 6: Login to the Voter Services Portal by clicking the ‘Login’ button on the homepage, entering the mobile number, password and captcha and clicking the ‘Request OTP’ button.
- Step 7: Enter the One time password that shown on your mobile number and click the ‘Verify & Login’ button.
- Step 8: Click the ‘Fill Form 6’ button on the ‘New Registration for General Voters’ tab.
- Step 9: Enter all the details including Personal Details, Relatives Details, Contact Details, Aadhaar Details, Date of Birth Details, Address Details and Declaration in Form 6 and upload the required documents in the given sections and click ‘Preview and’ Submit’ button.
- Step 10: Check whether the details entered are correct and click the ‘Submit’ button.
Offline Voter Registration
- Step 1: Visit Booth Level Officer (BLO) office and get Form 6 or download Form 6 from Voter Services Portal Click ‘Download’ button on ‘New Registration for General Voters’ tab.
- Step 2: Fill Form 6 accurately
- Step 3: Submit required documents and filled form to BLO.
- Verification process
- After submission of Form 6, either offline or online, the booth level officer will conduct the verification. The BLO verifies the address in the address proof document as per the Election Commission standards, ensuring the authenticity of the document.
If the officer finds irregularities during this verification process the application will be canceled and the applicant will not be able to get voter ID. In such a case, the person will have to submit a fresh application.In the absence of irregularities in the verification process, the applicant is entitled to a valid voter ID upon successful voter ID verification. The voter ID is usually delivered by post to the specified address or email within 15 to 21 days of completion of the verification process.
Documents required for voter registration
- Address Proof:
- Utility bills (water, electricity or gas bills not older than one year).
- Current Passbook of Public Sector Bank, Scheduled Bank or Post Office.
- Registered tenancy or lease agreement (in case of tenant).
- Registered Sale Deed (in case of own land).
- Aadhaar card.
- Indian passport.
- Land-ownership records of the Revenue Department including Kisanbahi.
- Proof of Date of Birth:
- Class X or Class XII certificates issued by CBSE, ICSE or State Education Boards bearing date of birth.
- Birth certificate issued by competent local body, municipal authority or registrar of births and deaths.
- Driving license.
- Aadhaar card.
- PAN card.
- Indian passport.
- Two recent passport-size photographs (photo should be taken less than six months before submission)
Forms required for vote registration
There are several forms for voter registration to cater to different situations and needs, which are as follows:
- This is a form for Indian citizens above 18 years of age to register to vote or apply for voter ID card.
- An NRI who is a citizen of India and does not hold citizenship of any other country can obtain Voter ID by filling this form.
- This is the form to link Aadhar Card with Voter ID.
- This form is used to delete a name from the existing voters list.
- When people want to modify, add or correct entries in their Voter ID, they must fill this form.
Check voter registration status
- Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.
- Step 2: Click the ‘Login’ button.
- Step 3: Enter mobile number, password and You will get captcha code and click the ‘Request OTP’ button.
- Step 4: Enter the OTP and click the ‘Verify and Login’ button.
- Step 5: Click the ‘Track Application Status’ tab.
- Step 6: Enter the reference number, select the status and click the ‘Submit’ button.
- Step 7: The voter registration process will be displayed on the screen.
A reference ID must be unique number assigned to your voter registration application form. When you submit your Form 6 application you will get an acknowledgment slip which contains the reference ID number.You can also check the voter registration status by visiting the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your area and providing your name, date of birth and address details. ERO will check and give you voter registration status.
Care should be taken to avoid mistakes while registering Voter ID online
Few things to note during online registration of Voter ID Card:
