How to Register to Vote in India
Being a responsible citizen of India means exercising the fundamental right to vote. It is highly important to register yourself as a voter if you are an adult. The chance to elect your government and decide on leaders that formulate laws for the country will only present itself if you register to vote.
Having a valid voter ID card is an essential requirement to be eligible to vote in India. It is also known as Voter ID card, Voting ID, Voter card, or Election Card. A vital document for an Indian citizen, this also has several additional security layers for security and authenticity.
Before casting your vote, it is imperative to register to vote online in India. This detailed blog will take you through the entire process of registering yourself as a voter.
The Eligibility Criteria for Voter Registration in India
Prior to registering for a voter ID card, you need to fulfil the below-mentioned criteria:
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The applicant needs to be a verified Indian citizen.
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The minimum required age to register for an election card is 18 on the date of the application or at the time of receiving it.
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The applicant must be from the very constituency that they are enrolling from.
How to Register in the Voter List Online?
The applicant can register to vote both online and offline. This is a step-by-step guide on how to enrol in the voter list online:
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Step 1: Head to the NVSP website (National Voter's Services Portal) and click on Sign-Up.
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Step 2: Enter your mobile number, Email ID, and Captcha Code.
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Step 3: After entering your first and last name, set up a password for logging in. Upon submitting, you will receive an OTP on the provided mobile number.
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Step 4: Verify your OTP and move to the login page on the home page. Enter the details and verify your OTP again.
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Step 5: After successfully logging in, click on the 'Fill Form 6' button on the homepage.
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Step 6: Complete the required details for Form 6, including your personal and relatives' details, Aadhaar and DOB details, and address. Preview and submit these documents.
How to Register to Vote Offline?
In case you wish to register offline, follow the steps given below.
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Step 1: Identify and visit the nearest Booth Level Officer (BLO) to get a fresh Form 6. You can also download an online Form 6 for the same.
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Step 2: Fill out the form accurately and attach a copy of your Aadhaar Card, along with a DOB proof and graduation certificate. You can use your PAN Card, Driver's License, or Passport to verify such information. If any of these documents are absent, submit an affidavit stating the reasons for the same.
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Step 3: Attach two passport-sized photographs and a copy of a family member's Voter ID.
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Step 4: Submit these documents to the BLO and wait for your Voter ID card to arrive at your doorstep!
Know Which Form You Need to Fill
There are various forms that you need to fill out while registering for a voter ID card. These forms can vary on the basis of your citizenship or purpose. Take a look at the forms you need to fill out to register to vote online in India:
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Form 6: Required for all general voters, first-time voter registrations, and those changing constituencies.
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Form 6A: Needed for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) to register.
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Form 7: Used to update or delete information in the electoral roll.
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Form 8: For changing specific details such as name, photo, age, EPIC number, address, date of birth, relative's name, type of relation, or gender.
How To Check If You're a Registered Voter?
After completing all the processes and submitting your form, check your name in the Voter's list published by the Election Commission of India. Here's how you can check your name-
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Go to the Election Commission’s website.
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When the home page opens, click on the 'Search your name' tab in the electoral column.
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Enter your details or EPIC/Voter ID number to verify your identity. Once verified, you can check if your name is available on the list.
When there are no inconsistencies in the verification process, the applicant becomes eligible for a valid Voter ID. Upon successful verification, the Voter ID is typically delivered by post or email within 15 to 21 days.
Why is it Important to Register as a Voter?
Being an eligible and verified Voter is the utmost duty of a responsible citizen. To uphold the pillars of democracy, one must register to vote as soon as one turns 18 and exercise their fundamental right.
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FAQs
To register as a voter, the applicant needs to submit proof of age, address, and identity along with two passport-size photographs. PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Driver's License, Birth Certificate, or 10th Passing certificate can be used to verify this information.
To register your name on the voter list, you can visit your local booth-level office, fill out the required form, or provide proof of identity and residence online through the official election commission website.
No, a voter ID card is not an essential proof of address or identity. You can use your Aadhaar card for the same.
You can find your BLO by filling out a small form pertaining to your State. You can also fill out your locality and find the nearest Booth Level Officer.
An applicant needs to fill out Form 6 either online or offline and provide all necessary proof to register as a voter. If you are an NRI, fill out 6A. If you need to update any information, you can fill out Form 7.