How to Vote India – Comprehensive Guide to Voting in India

How to Vote India: Voting in India is a constitutional right and a fundamental duty for every citizen of the country who is at least 18 years old and has a valid voter ID card. Elections are held periodically at the national and state levels to elect representatives to the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the parliament) and state legislative assemblies respectively.

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The Election Commission of India is responsible for overseeing the entire electoral process in the country, from announcing the election schedule to counting the votes and declaring the results. The commission ensures that elections are conducted fairly, freely, and in a transparent manner.

To vote in India, citizens need to be registered as voters in their respective constituencies. They can register to vote by filling out an application form and submitting it to their nearest Election Commission office or through online registration. Once registered, voters can cast their vote at their designated polling station on the day of the election.

The voting process in India is conducted using electronic voting machines (EVMs) that are designed to be easy to use and tamper-proof. Voters are given a unique voter ID card that they need to carry with them to the polling station. The voting process is completely confidential and the identity of the voter is kept secret.

How to Vote India – Comprehensive Guide to Voting in India

To vote in India, you must be a registered voter and possess a valid voter ID card. On election day, visit your designated polling station, show your voter ID card, and cast your vote using the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). If you are unable to vote in person, you can also opt for a postal ballot. Follow the instructions provided by the Election Commission of India to ensure that your vote is counted.

Inside the Polling Booth

Upon entering the polling booth, the First Polling Officer will verify your identity and check if your name is on the electoral roll. Once your voter status is confirmed, the Second Polling Officer will mark your left index finger with indelible ink to ensure that you do not vote multiple times.

If you do not have a left index finger, alternative identification procedures will be followed. However, if you already have an ink mark on your finger or refuse to have it marked, you will not be allowed to vote.

The Second Polling Officer will then:

• Record your Voter ID Number in Form 17A.
• Request you to provide your thumb impression or signature in the Register of Voters.
• Mark your name on a copy of the electoral roll to permit you to vote.

After these steps, you can proceed to the voting compartment.

As a voter, you will use the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) to cast your ballot. The EVM is an electronic device that electronically records votes.

Moving to the Voting Compartment

The Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) is comprised of two units, the Control Unit and Balloting Unit, which are connected by a five-meter cable. The Control Unit is held by the Presiding Officer or Polling Officer, while the Balloting Unit is placed inside the voting compartment. The ballot is released by the Presiding Officer or Polling Officer, allowing you to cast your vote by pressing the blue button next to the name of the candidate you wish to vote for. If you do not wish to vote for any candidate, you can choose the NOTA (None of the Above) option on the EVM Machine.

After casting your vote, a green light on the VVPAT Machine, which is placed beside the EVM Machine, will indicate that you have voted. A printed slip with the serial number, name, and symbol of the candidate you voted for will also be displayed through a transparent window for 7 seconds. This printed slip is automatically cut and dropped into the sealed drop box of the VVPAT.

It is important to note that you cannot vote more than once, and mistakes cannot be undone. Even if your name appears twice on the electoral roll or in two different constituencies, you are only allowed to vote once. If you attempt to vote twice, both your votes will not be counted. Once you have completed the voting process and exit the polling station, there is nothing further you need to do.

Who can vote in India?

The Citizenship Act ensures that all citizens, regardless of their race, color, or previous condition of subjugation, have the right to vote and are protected under the 15th Amendment.

In accordance with the guidelines provided by the Election Commission of India, Indian citizens are eligible to become voters if they meet the following criteria:

1. Citizenship: The person must be a citizen of India.
2. Age: The person must be at least 18 years old on the qualifying date (January 1 of the year in which the electoral roll is prepared).
3. Residence: The person must be a resident of the constituency where he or she wants to vote.
4. Voter ID: The person must have a valid voter ID card or electoral photo identity card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India.

Who is not eligible to vote?

There are certain categories of people who are not eligible to vote in India, including:

1. Non-citizens of India: Persons who are not Indian citizens, including foreign nationals and persons holding dual citizenship, are not eligible to vote in India.
2. Convicted persons: Persons who have been convicted of certain criminal offenses and are serving a prison sentence are not eligible to vote in India. However, once they complete their sentence, their voting rights are restored.
3. Persons of unsound mind: Persons who are of unsound mind and have been declared as such by a competent court are not eligible to vote in India.
4. Disqualified persons: Persons who have been disqualified by the Election Commission of India for electoral malpractices or violations of election laws are not eligible to vote in India.

It is important to note that all other Indian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria, including those who are homeless, poor, or from marginalized communities, are eligible to vote and should exercise their right to vote in order to participate in the democratic process and shape the future of the country.

Identity proof

In India, voters are required to show a valid identity proof at the polling station in order to be allowed to vote. The following documents are accepted as identity proofs for voting:

1. Voter ID card: The electoral photo identity card (EPIC) issued by the Election Commission of India is the most commonly used identity proof for voting.
2. Passport: A valid passport issued by the Government of India is also an accepted identity proof for voting.
3. Driving License: A valid driving license issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) of the state is also an accepted identity proof for voting.
4. PAN card: A valid Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department of India is also an accepted identity proof for voting.
5. Aadhaar card: The Aadhaar card issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is also an accepted identity proof for voting.
6. Service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Public Limited Companies are also accepted.

It is important to note that the identity proof must be valid and not expired, and the name and photograph on the proof should match the details on the voter list.

How to Register to Vote in India?

In order to register to vote in India, follow these steps:

1. Visit the National Voter’s Service Portal (https://www.nvsp.in/) or download the Voter Helpline app on your mobile phone.
2. Click on “Apply online for registration of new voter/due to shifting from AC” on the homepage of the portal.
3. Fill in the online Form 6 with your personal details such as name, date of birth, address, etc.
4. Upload a scanned copy of your passport-sized photograph and supporting documents such as identity proof and address proof.
5. Submit the form online.
6. You will receive an application reference number which can be used to track the status of your application.
7. A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your residence to verify your details.
8. Once your application is approved, you will receive your Voter ID card through the post.

It is important to note that the deadline for voter registration varies from state to state, and it is advisable to check with the Election Commission of India or the Chief Electoral Officer of your state for more information.

How to vote if you live in a different city?

If you live in a different city and wish to vote in your home constituency, you can do so by following these steps:

1. Register as a voter: First, ensure that you are registered as a voter in your home constituency by following the process mentioned in the previous answer.
2. Apply for postal ballot: Once you are registered as a voter, you can apply for a postal ballot to vote remotely. The process for applying for a postal ballot varies by state, and you can check with the Chief Electoral Officer of your state for specific instructions. Typically, you will need to fill out an application form and submit it along with a copy of your identity proof.
3. Receive and submit postal ballot: Once your application for a postal ballot is approved, the Election Commission will send you the ballot paper and necessary instructions. You must fill out the ballot paper and send it back to the Election Commission before the deadline.

Alternatively, you can also choose to travel to your home constituency on election day and vote in person at the polling station. In such cases, you will need to ensure that you carry a valid identity proof with you to the polling station.