Complete Voting Guide in India: Polling Booths, Voter List, EPIC Download Voting Process for Indian Elections: With the general elections approaching, scheduled in India from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024, every Indian citizen holds the privilege to vote for their preferred candidate. Voting stands as a fundamental right and a cornerstone of democracy in India, granted to all eligible citizens. Through this process, individuals exercise their democratic freedom by selecting representatives to govern and make decisions. Voting fosters inclusivity and ensures representation in the political landscape. Regardless of one’s background, caste, creed, or socio-economic status, every eligible citizen enjoys an equal opportunity to participate in this democratic exercise. This year, if you are eligible to vote, we are here to guide you on how to do so effectively in India.
First, understand your voting rights:
In India, individuals must be at least 18 years old to be eligible to vote in elections. It’s important to recognize that voting is not just a privilege but also a duty, essential for active participation in the democratic system.
Name In Voter List:
In order to participate in an election, it’s essential to be listed as a voter. If you find yourself not included in the voter list, you’ll need to go through the registration process. This can be done by visiting either the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the State Election Commission (SEC). During registration, you’ll be required to provide necessary documents like identity proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs.
The Election Commission of India (ECI)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is a statutory body, indicating it was established through legislation. Formed on January 25th, 1950, the ECI holds the responsibility of overseeing, directing, and conducting elections across all states, as well as for the Indian Parliament, including elections for the President and Vice President.
Who is eligible to vote?
Eligibility to vote extends to every Indian citizen who has reached the age of 18 by the 1st of January of the respective year. They must be registered as residents at an ordinary place of residence. Additionally, they are only permitted to enroll for voting in a single constituency. For Indian citizens residing overseas, eligibility is contingent upon being classified as ordinary residents of India in their passport documentation.
Check Voter List:
Once you’ve enrolled on the voter list, verify your inclusion to ensure your name appears. This list encompasses all qualified voters within the designated electoral area. Visit either the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the pertinent State Election Commission for verification.
How to Download Your Voter ID (EPIC) and its Importance
“If you’re listed in the voter list, you can obtain your voter ID, also known as Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), by downloading it from the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) or your respective State Election Commission. To download, you’ll need to provide details such as your name, date of birth, and constituency. Alternatively, if you have an EPIC number, you have the following options for downloading your voter ID:
- Log in to electoralsearch.in.
- Call the Voter Helpline at 1950 (remember to add your STD code before dialing).
- Send an SMS to 1950 with the text ‘EPIC’ followed by your EPIC number. EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card, commonly known as a Voter ID card.
Remember to carry this ID card with you when casting your vote.”
Find Polling Booth:
Upon acquiring your Voter ID, it’s essential to acquaint yourself with your electoral constituency, where your eligibility to vote in India lies. Each constituency has distinct polling booths where voters cast their ballots. To determine your assigned polling booth within your constituency, voters can utilize the Election Commission of India’s website – electoralsearch.in or employ the Voter Helpline App. Alternatively, voters can reach out to the Voter Helpline by dialing 1950 (remember to include your STD code before dialing). On the website or app, you’ll be prompted to input details such as your name, constituency, and locality (pincode). Additionally, during elections, both the government and candidates themselves distribute physical voter information slips to every household, encouraging residents to exercise their voting rights.
Election Schedule:
After finding your polling booth, stay updated about the election schedule, including the dates of voter registration, polling, and result declaration.
Voting Process at the Polling Station:
On Election Day, candidates are required to visit assigned polling stations within the designated voting hours. All necessary information is provided on your voter ID card.
Upon arrival at the polling station, join the queue outside the entrance. It’s advisable to arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Polling stations are often located in schools, community centers, and government buildings.
When you reach the entrance, an election official will verify your identity and eligibility to vote. Present your Voter ID Card or another government-approved ID, such as an Aadhar card, for verification. Once verified, you’ll be allowed to enter the polling area to cast your vote.
Inside the polling room, locate your voting booth, which offers privacy. Check the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) carefully. Use the provided ballot paper or EVM to mark your vote for your chosen candidate (e.g., by marking on the ballot paper or pressing the button on the EVM). You can identify the candidate by their symbol or assigned number.
After casting your vote, review your choices to ensure accuracy. Once satisfied, confirm your vote on the EVM and then return to an election official near the EVM or ballot box to deposit your marked ballot paper or confirm your electronic vote.
Following the voting process, an election official will apply special ink to your finger as proof of voting on that day. This ink serves as a preventive measure against multiple voting.
Your voting process is complete after the inking. You may exit the polling station and await the election results.
Valid Identity Cards for Voting:
To cast your vote, you must possess a valid identity card, which will be checked by an election official to verify your identity and eligibility to vote. This measure helps prevent fraudulent voting. Here’s a list of acceptable identity cards you can bring to the polling station:
- Voter ID Card (EPIC): Issued by the Election Commission of India to eligible Indian citizens aged 18 and above.
- Aadhar Card: Issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), it is a unique and valid document for various purposes.
- Passport: An official travel document issued by the government of India.
- Driving Licence: Issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO), it is valid for the voting process.
- PAN Card: Issued by the Income Tax Department, PAN Cards contain personal details including a photograph.
- Service Identity Cards: For government employees, armed forces personnel, and employees of public sector undertakings (PSUs).
- Bank Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office.
- Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR.
- MNREGA Job Card.
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour scheme.
- Pension document with photograph.
- Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs.