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.
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.
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.
The individuals who fulfil the following conditions are eligible for voter registration in India:
The following are not eligible for voter registration:
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.
Indian citizens can register to vote either online or offline.
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.
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.
There are several forms for voter registration to cater to diverse circumstances and needs, which are as follows:
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.
A few things to watch out for while Voter ID Card online registration are:
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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India's democratic process requires voter registration with the Election Commission of India to cast votes. Both online and offline registration processes are explained. Address and age proof documents are mandatory, forms for registration are available, and mistakes to avoid are highlighted. Check voter registration status online and be informed about upcoming general elections in 2024.