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 political parties that can govern the country and states. To cast a vote, you need to have a Voter ID card also known as Elector’s Photo ID card. Here we have explained the process of how to register for Voter ID card in India.  

What is voter registration?

In Indian Elections, voting is the essential part of all individuals above 18 years. However, Indian citizens must enroll themselves as voters with the Election Commission of India (ECI) to participate in the voting process and obtain the voter registration or Voter ID card. 

The Voter ID card indicates that an individual is more than 18 years old Indian citizen listed in the electoral rolls, a list of people eligible to cast their vote. The Voter ID card also helps in regulating fraud and streamlining the voting process, a necessary step due to the country's huge demographics. Registration for a Voter ID card is an easy process that can be done online.

Importance of voter registration in Indian democracy

Voter registration is essential for all Indian citizens above 18 years old to participate in the voting process. A citizen cannot vote in India if he/she does not have a voter registration. Voting is the foundation of Indian democracy and is crucial in shaping the Indian political landscape. Voter registration allows citizens to exercise their voting right to participate in decision-making and choose their representatives. 

Eligibility criteria for voter registration in India

The individuals who fulfil the following conditions are eligible for voter registration in India:

• Citizen of India
• 18 years of age
• Have a permanent address in India

The following are not eligible for voter registration:

• A Non-Resident Indian (NRI) having citizenship of another country
• An individual with an unsound mind
• An individual convicted of certain crimes
• An individual serving a sentence of imprisonment for an offence

Voter registration last date 2024

The Election Commission of India offers online voter registration to Indian citizens within the qualifying dates, i.e. 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October of the year of revision of the electoral roll.

How to register to vote in India before the last date?

Indian citizens can register to vote either online or offline.

Online voter registration

• Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.
• Step 2: Click on the ‘Sign up’ option on the top right corner of the homepage.

• Step 3: Enter the mobile number, email ID and captcha code and click the ‘Continue’ button.

• Step 4: Enter ‘First Name’, ‘Last Name’, ‘Password’, ‘Confirm Password’, and click the ‘Request OTP’ button.

• Step 5: Enter the OTP received on the mobile number and email ID and click the ‘Verify’ button.

• Step 6: Log in 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 OTP received on your mobile number and click the ‘Verify & Login’ button.
• Step 8: Click the ‘Fill Form 6’ button on the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab.

• Step 9: Enter all the details on Form 6, which includes personal details, relatives details, contact details, Aadhaar details, date of birth details, address details, and declaration and upload the required documents in the given sections and click the ‘Preview and Submit’ button.

• Step 10: Check if the entered details are correct and click the ‘Submit’ button.

Offline voter registration

• Step 1: Visit the Booth Level Officer’s (BLO) office and obtain Form 6 or download Form 6 from the Voter Services Portal by clicking the ‘Download’ button on the ‘New registration for general electors’ tab
• Step 2: Fill out Form 6 accurately
• Step 3: Submit the required documents and the filled form to the BLO.

Verification process

After submission of Form 6, either offline or online, the Booth Level Officer performs the verification. The BLO verifies the address in the address proof document in line with Election Commission criteria, ensuring document authenticity. 

The application will be cancelled, and the applicant will not get a Voter ID if the officer discovers inconsistencies during this verification process. In such a case, the individual is required to submit a new application. 

When there are no inconsistencies in the verification process, the applicant becomes eligible for a valid Voter ID upon successful Voter ID verification. The Voter ID is typically delivered by post to the mentioned address or email within 15 to 21 days after the verification process concludes.

Documents required for Voter registration 

• Address Proof:
  • Utility bills (Water, electricity or gas bills that are not older than a year).
  •  Current passbook of a public sector bank, scheduled bank or post office.
  • Registered rental or lease agreement (in case of a tenant).
  • Registered sale deed (in case of own land).
  • Aadhaar card.
  • Indian Passport.
  • Revenue department’s land-owning records, including KisanBahi.
• Proof of Date of Birth:
  •  Certificates of class X or class XII issued by the CBSE, ICSE or State Education Boards containing the date of birth.
  • Birth certificate issued by the competent local body, municipal authority, or Registrar of births and deaths.
  • Driving license.
  • Aadhaar card.
  • PAN card.
  • Indian Passport.
• Two recent passport-sized photographs (the photo should be taken in less than six months before submission).

Forms required for registering to vote 

There are several forms for voter registration to cater to diverse circumstances and needs, which are as follows:

• Form 6: This is the form for registering to vote or applying for a Voter ID card by Indian citizens above 18 years.
• Form 6A: An NRI who is a citizen of India and has not acquired citizenship of any other country can get a Voter ID by filling out this form.
• Form 6B: This is the form to link the Aadhaar card with Voter ID.
• Form 7: This form is used to get the name deleted from the existing electoral roll.
• Form 8: When individuals want to modify, add or correct entries in their Voter ID, they must fill out this form.

Check voter registration status

• Step 1: Visit the official Voter Services Portal.
• Step 2: Click the ‘Login’ button.
• Step 3: Enter the mobile number, password and 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 state and click the ‘Submit’ button.
• Step 7: The voter registration status will be displayed on the screen.

The reference ID is a unique number assigned to your voter registration application. You will get the acknowledgement slip when you submit the Form 6 application, which will contain the reference ID number. 

You can also check voter registration status by visiting your area's Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) and providing your name, date of birth, and address details. The ERO will check and give you the voter registration status.

Mistakes to avoid while registering Voter ID online

A few things to watch out for while Voter ID Card online registration are:

• Ensure that you are using the correct form to register for a Voter ID:
  • Form 6- for first-time voters
  • Form 6A- for NRI voters not having citizenship of another country
  • Form 7 – to object to an application for inclusion on the electoral roll
  • Form 8 – for correction of details on an existing Voter ID
• You need to ensure all the supporting documents have been submitted along with your registration to ensure that all the details provided by you are correct.
• While filling out the form, you must ensure all the details are error-free. If any such error does occur, the same will be reflected on your Voter ID. Always double-check the information you fill in the form for spelling errors or any other errors.

Key dates for the general elections 2024

The next Indian general election is expected to be held between April and May 2024 to elect the members of parliament. The polling dates for 18th Lok Sabha election are below:

Phase 1: April 19
Phase 2: April 26
Phase 3: May 7
Phase 4: May 13
Phase 5: May 20
Phase 6: May 25
Phase 7: June 1

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