With the general elections to constitute the 17th Lok Sabha just a month away, it is imperative that we do our duty as responsible citizens by participating in the election of our future leaders. If you’re 18 years or older, you have the right to vote for the candidate that aligns with your political ideologies. If you wish to participate in the process, but don’t have a voter ID or know how to register, we’re here to help. So read on to find out how you can register to vote!
Figure Out Which Category You Fall Under
Any citizen of India who is over the age of 18 on the qualifying date of January 1 is eligible to vote in the upcoming general elections. As a voter, you can call under three of the following categories:
1. General Elector:
If you are a citizen of India and currently reside in the country, you fall under the ‘general voter’ category. This means you have the choice of applying in-person, via post or online.
2. Overseas/NRI Elector:
Are you a citizen of India but don’t reside in the country at the moment? No problem! You can go online and register for your voter ID despite not being physically present in the country.
3. Service Elector:
This category applies to citizens of India who work for the government and have been posted away from their residence. This applies to:
-Members of the Central Armed Forces.
-Members of a force which falls under the provisions of the Army Act, 1950
-Members of State Armed Police Forces, serving outside the respective state
-A person employed and posted outside India under the Government of India
Get Your Documents In Order
In order to apply for your voter’s ID, you’ll need to keep a set of documents ready. These include:
-Proof of address: This could include a copy of your passport, gas bill, water bill, ration card, bank passbook or your Aadhaar card
-Proof of age: This could include your a copy of your class 10 certificate, birth certificate, pan card, Aadhaar card, driving licence, passport, or Kisan card.
-Two recent passport-sized colour photographs
How To Register Offline
General electors need to fill out a document called Form-6, which you can find and submit to the Electoral Registration Officer/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of your constituency, along with your supporting documents.
If you’re a service elector, you need to fill out Form 2 if you’re a member of the Armed Forces, Form 2A if you’re a member of State Armed Police Forces and serving outside your state and Form 3 for a person employed and posted outside India under the Government of India.
Overseas/NRI electors cannot register offline since they aren’t present in the country.
Alternatively, you can also submit your respective forms and documents by post to the Booth Level Officer of the polling area or handed over to her/him.
How To Register Online
All citizens who are eligible to vote can register online, including overseas/NRI electors. Here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Visit the National Voters’ Service Portal.
2. Click on the form you need to submit for your category.
3. A new window with the form will open.
4. Fill out the forms and upload copies of your supporting documents.
5. Click submit.
Okay, You’ve Registered, Now What?
Once your application reaches the Electoral Registration Officer, it will be displayed on the notice board of his office for one week, in case of objections.
You may also be visited by Booth Level Officer during that period who will verify the information you provided on the form.
Once the verification process is complete and no objections have been raised, the Electoral Registration Officer will ask for your name to be added to the electoral roll. Your Voter ID will be delivered to your address soon.
And viola! You are now officially eligible to vote – so make sure you make a wise and informed decision!
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