How to Vote India : 5 State Assembly Election 2023

Register and Check Your Name in Voter List

In a country as vast and diverse as India, every citizen’s voice matters, and one of the primary ways to make your voice heard is by voting. Voting is a significant action you can take to contribute to the growth and development of the nation. Therefore you might have question like How to Vote in India ?, How to Register to Vote India ?, Voting ID Requirements India?, How to Check my name in voter list?

It’s a privilege and a responsibility that comes with being a citizen of a democratic country. Through voting, you get to choose leaders who will make important decisions on your behalf. Now, let’s take a brief look at how the electoral process works in India:

The electoral process is like a big competition where different individuals or groups of people, known as political parties, compete to win seats in assemblies or parliament. They share their ideas and plans for the country or your area, and then on a specific day, called Election Day, all eligible citizens get to choose who they think would be the best to lead them. This choice is made through a vote.

“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – Abraham Lincoln
Read -> Simplified breakdown of the electoral process in India

How to Register to Vote in India

Becoming a voter is your first step towards playing an active role in India’s democracy. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register to vote in India, ensuring you’re all set for the next election.

Voters Eligibility Criteria in India

1. Voting Age in India:

• You must be at least 18 years old on January 1 of the year for which the voter list is prepared.

2. Citizenship Status for Voting in India:

• Only Indian citizens are allowed to vote in Indian elections.

3. Residence Status to Vote in India:

• You should be living in the area where you wish to register as a voter.

The Process of Registration to Vote in India

There are two methods to register as a voter in India: online and offline. The online process is done through the NVSP portal, while the offline process requires a visit to the local Electoral Registration Office. Both methods are streamlined for user convenience. Below are the details for each process to guide you on your path to becoming an eligible voter.

1. To Vote in India – Online Registration Process:
   • Visit the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP) at nvsp.in.
   • Click on “Apply online for registration of new voter”.
   • Fill out the form called Form 6 with your details.
   • Upload the required documents: a photograph, a proof of your age and identity, and a proof of residence.
   • Once submitted, you’ll receive a reference number which you can use to track your application status.
2. Offline Process to Register to Vote in India:
   • If you prefer doing things offline, visit the local Electoral Registration Office in your area or contact to BLO of your Area
   • Ask for Form 6, fill it out and submit it along with copies of the necessary documents.
   • You’ll get a receipt which you can keep for tracking your application status.

Required Documents To Register to Vote in India:

1. Proof of Identity:
   • Documents like Aadhar Card, PAN card, Driving License, Passport, or any other government-issued ID.
2. Proof of Address:
   • Documents like Utility bills, Bank/Post office statements, Passport, or Driving License.

Verification Process for Voter Registration India:

1. Verification by Booth Level Officer (BLO):
   • After your application, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your home to verify your information.
2. Receiving the Voter ID card:
   • Once verified, you’ll receive your Voter ID card either by post or you may be asked to collect it from the Electoral Registration Office.

By following these steps, you’ll be ready to cast your vote in the upcoming elections. Registering to vote is your gateway to being an active participant in India’s vibrant democracy. So, ensure your name is on the voter list, and make your voice heard.

How to Check My Name in Voter List?

It’s very important to make sure your name is on the Voter List, or the Electoral Roll, so you can vote in India. Here’s how you can check if your name is on the list using different ways provided by the Election Commission of India:

Online Check your name in Voter List

Electoralsearch.in:

• First, go to electoralsearch.in on your computer or phone.
• Next, type in your personal details or your Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number to look for your name on the list.

Phone Call to Check Name in Voter List

Voter Helpline:

• You can also call the Voter Helpline at 1950 for help. Remember to add your area’s STD code before you dial. For example, if your STD code is 011, you dial 011-1950.

Send SMS to Check Name in Voter List

SMS Service:

• You can send a text message to check your name too. Type “ECI” then a space, then your EPIC number, and send it to 1950. Like, if your EPIC number is 12345678, you type “ECI 12345678” and send it to 1950.

Voter Helpline App in India

Download the App:

• Lastly, you can download the Voter Helpline App from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
• After you download it, use the app to look for your name on the voter list and check your details.

Checking your name on the voter list is easy and you can do it in different ways. It’s a very important step to make sure you can vote and take part in India’s democracy.

Voting ID Requirements in India

Getting ready to vote for the first time is exciting! However, before you can vote, you need to have some important documents. In India, the main document you need to vote is a Voter ID card. Let’s learn more about this and other requirements for voting in India.

Voter ID Card (Electors Photo Identity Card – EPIC)

What is Voter ID Card? or What is EPIC?

• Firstly, a Voter ID card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is a card that proves you are allowed to vote in India.

How to Get Voter ID Card? or How to Get EPIC?

• Secondly, if you don’t have a Voter ID card, you can apply for one online on the National Voter Services Portal or offline at your local Electoral Registration Office.

Other Important Documents for Voting ID

Alternate Photo ID for EPIC

• Besides the Voter ID card, there are other documents you can use to vote. Some of these include:
  • Aadhaar Card
  • Passport
  • Driving License

Proof of Residence for Voter ID

• Additionally, you might need to show proof of where you live. This could be a utility bill like an electricity bill or a phone bill.

Age Proof for Voter ID Card

Eligibility for Voter Crad

• Importantly, you need to be at least 18 years old to vote in India. So, you’ll need a document that shows your age like a birth certificate, school leaving certificate, or a PAN card.

Special Cases to Vote in India

Overseas Voters in India

• Moreover, if you are an Indian living abroad, you can still vote! You’ll need to register as an Overseas Elector and have a valid passport.

Service Voters India

• Furthermore, if you are in the armed forces or government service, you can register as a Service Voter. This allows you to vote even if you are posted away from home.

How to Vote in India

Voting is a valuable way to express your opinion and help decide who will lead your area in India. This process involves several steps, from checking who the candidates are, to finding out where to vote and finally casting your vote. Let’s take a look at these steps one by one.

Knowing Your Candidates

Who are the Candidates to Vote?

• Firstly, to know who’s standing for election, visit the Candidate Affidavit Portal or download the Voter Helpline App (Download here) to see the list of candidates. This information is updated as new affidavits are filed by candidates.

Find Your Polling Booth (A Place to Vote)

Where to Vote?

• Secondly, to find out where you’ll vote, visit electoralsearch.in, use the Voter Helpline App or call the Voter Helpline at 1950 (with your STD code before the number). You can also send an SMS with <space> to 1950 for the location of your polling station.

What to do at the Polling Booth ?

• Thirdly, when you arrive at the polling booth:
  • The first official will check your name on the voter list and your ID proof.
  • The second official will ink your finger, give you a slip, and take your signature on a register (Form 17A).
  • Deposit the slip at the third official, show your inked finger, and proceed to the polling booth to vote.

Voting Process

How to Vote?

• Fourthly, inside the booth:
  • Press the ballot button opposite the symbol of your chosen candidate on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); you will hear a beep sound.
  • Check the slip in the transparent window of the VVPAT machine, visible for 7 seconds before it drops in the sealed VVPAT box.
  • If you don’t like any candidate, press NOTA (None of the Above) – it’s the last button on the EVM.

Using the EVM (VVPAT)

How does EVM work?

• Fifthly, learn how to use the EVM and VVPAT through this video. EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine and VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail.

What ID to Carry at Polling Booth?

1. Identification(ID) for Voting
   • EPIC (Voter ID card)PassportDriving LicenseService Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited CompaniesPassbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post OfficePAN CardSmart Card issued by RGI under NPRMNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of LabourPension document with photographOfficial identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCsAadhaar Card

5 States Assembly Election in India 2023

The Election Commission has rolled out the schedule for the upcoming assembly elections in five states, setting the stage for a critical test of political strength for the involved parties. Each state will follow its stipulated timeline leading to a collective day of reckoning on December 3, 2023, when votes are counted.

Mizoram State Assembly Election 2023

Starting in the northeastern state of Mizoram, voters will head to the polls on November 7, 2023. All of the state’s 40 assembly seats will be contested in a single electoral phase. This decisive ballot battle will determine the legislative leadership for the next term in this relatively small yet politically significant state.

Madhya Pradesh (MP) State Assembly Election 2023

Madhya Pradesh, with its significant count of 230 assembly seats, is also poised to hold its entire electoral process in one go. On November 17, 2023, the state will witness a widespread mobilization of voters to determine the composition of its legislative assembly. The outcome in this central Indian state is particularly awaited, given its size and political weight.

Chhattisgarh State Assembly Election 2023

The election terrain of Chhattisgarh is mapped out for a two-phased electoral procedure. With 90 legislative seats up for grabs, the state’s electorate will cast their votes on two separate dates: the first segment of polling will occur on November 7, followed by the second phase on November 17, 2023. This staged approach is tailored to ensure logistical efficiency and electoral thoroughness.

Rajasthan State Assembly Election 2023

In the western desert state of Rajasthan, 200 assembly seats will be contested on November 25, 2023. The election there is planned as a single-phase event, where the entire state will vote on the same day. The political contest in Rajasthan is typically high-stakes, attracting national interest for its potential to sway regional power balances.

Telangana State Assembly Election 2023

Finally, the southern state of Telangana is scheduled for its election on November 30, 2023. Voters will decide the fate of 119 assembly seats in a single-phase polling exercise. Known for its vibrant political landscape, Telangana’s elections will complete the autumn electoral calendar, just days before the collective vote counting.

As all the states converge for the vote count on December 3, the anticipation will reach its zenith. The results will not only shape the regional legislatures but also send ripples through the national political narrative.

Conclusion

Voting is a vital activity in a democratic country like India. It gives us the opportunity to voice our choice and select the leaders who will guide our nation. Through this article, we’ve outlined the essential steps to become an active participant in this democratic process. Firstly, by registering to vote, then by verifying our name on the voter list, and finally by casting our vote on the election day.

It’s crucial for all eligible individuals to be part of this process. If you haven’t registered yet, it’s high time to do so. Confirm your name on the voter list to avoid any last-minute hurdles. When the election day arrives, head to your designated polling booth and cast your vote. Your single vote contributes to the larger decision that impacts our country. Let’s all take a step towards a better future by being responsible citizens and voting in the upcoming elections.

How to Vote in India FAQs