General elections are coming. It will be held in India from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024. Every Indian has the right to vote for their preferred candidate. Voting in India is a fundamental right and an essential aspect of democracy. It is a right granted to every eligible citizen. Through voting, individuals exercise their democratic right to choose representatives who will govern and make decisions. voting promotes inclusivity and representation in the political arena. Regardless of their background, caste, creed, or socio-economic status, every eligible citizen has an equal opportunity to participate. This year, if you are eligible to cast your vote, then we will help you to understand how to vote in India.
First understand your voting rights:
In India, candidates must be 18 or above 18 to have the right to vote in the election. Remember, it is not just a right but a responsibility to participate in the democratic process.
Name In Voter List:
To vote in an election, you must be in the Voter List. If you are not on the list, then you must register for it. Visit the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the State Election Commission (SEC) to register as a voter. Provide your necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof, and passport-sized photographs.
Check Voter List:
After registering on the voter list, check if you are listed or not. The list contains the names of all eligible voters in the particular constituency. Check the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI) or the respective State Election Commission
How to Download Your Voter ID (EPIC) and its Importance
If your number is listed in the voter list, then download your voter ID. Your voter ID is also known as Elector Photo Identity Cards (EPIC), from the official website of the ECI or the respective State Election Commission. For download, you need to enter details like name, date of birth, and constituency to download the voter ID card. If you have an EPIC number then the following are the options for downloading the voter ID-
- Login on the electoralsearch.in
- Call on the Voter Helpline 1950 (please add your STD code before dialling)
- Test to GOvernment, Type SMS space EPI number to 1950. EPIC is an Electors Photo Identity Card also commonly known as a Voter ID card)
It is essential to carry this ID card while casting votes.
Find Polling Booth:
After downloading your Voter ID, know Your Constituency. Find out your electoral constituency where you are eligible to vote for India. Remember, every constituency has different polling booths where voters make a list of their votes. To find which polling booth to assign to your constituency, voters can use ECI’s website – electoralsearch.in or use the Voter Helpline App to find their polling booth. Or Voters can call the Voter Helpline, the number is 1950 (please add your STD code before dialing). On the website or app, you need to enter your details like name, constituency, and locality(pincode). Well, during the election, the government and the candidate himself distribute the physical voter information slips to every house and urge them to vote for them.
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 Location:
 On the day of voting, candidates must visit designated polling booths during the voting time. Well, all the details are mentioned on your voter ID slip.
- Upon arrival at the polling booth, join the queue outside the polling booth entrance. It is good to reach the polling booth in the early morning for less crowd. Most of the time, polling booths are set up in the school, community centres and government buildings.
- As you approach the entrance, the election official will verify your identity and eligibility to vote. Submit your Voter ID Card or a government-approved identification document like an Aadhar card for verification. Once the verification is done, you are allowed to enter the polling booth area to cast your vote.
- Inside the Polling booth room, find your voting compartment where you can cast the vote. It is a private area. Carefully check the EVM machine. Using the provided ballot paper or electronic voting machine (EVM), mark your vote for the candidate you want to win. (e.g., marking on the ballot paper or pressing the button on the EVM). You can use the sign of the candidate or a number of the candidate, to identify the right candidate for the vote.
- After clicking in the EVM, carefully review your choices to ensure accuracy. Once you’re satisfied with your selections, submit to confirm your vote on the EVM. Then, approach the election official again near the EVM or ballot box and deposit your marked ballot paper or confirm your vote electronically.
- After vote casting, the election official will apply special ink on the finger as an indicator that you did your election on this day. This ink process is a preventive measure so that an individual cannot cast multiple votes.
- Your vote is done after the inking process. You can exit and wait for the election result.
Eligible Identity Card for Voting
To cast a vote, you require a valid identity card. An election official will check the identity card with their document to verify the identity and eligibility of voters. It prevents fraudulent voting. Here is the list of identity cards you can carry. Just carry any of them to the polling booth-
- Voter ID Card: It is also known as the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC). It is a special identity cad document issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to eligible voters. This card is provided to Indian citizens who are 18 or above 18 years old.
- Aadhar Card: Aadhar Card is issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). It is one of the unique and valid documents that you can use anywhere.
- Passport: Yes, you can also bring your passport to the polling booth. It is an official travel document provided by the government of India. It is also a valid identity card for the voting process.
- Driving Licence: It is also valid for the voting process because it is issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO)
- PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) Card, issued by the Income Tax Department. It is also valid for the voting process. PAN Cards contain the holder’s photograph, PAN number, and other personal details for your existence in India.
- 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 (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of the Ministry of Labour
- Pension document with photograph
- Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
How to Cast Your Vote Using EVM:-
Upcoming Election:-
Lok Sabha Election 2024 is coming soon. It will start from Fri, 19 Apr – Sat, 1 June 2024 across the country. Lok Sabha Election 2024 is one of the most significant democratic events in India. It is scheduled every five years. About 900 + million are eligible voters for the election. This election holds immense importance not only nationally but also globally. If you have a valid Voter ID card and your name on the voter list, you have the right to vote for your favourite party. Major parties such as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress (INC), and regional parties like the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), All India Trinamool Congress (AITC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), etc. The party that gets the maximum number of seats in the Lok Sabha will form the government and appoint the Prime Minister to lead the nation. Currently, the Prime Minister of India is Mr. Narender Modi.
All the political parties and candidates are engaged in extensive campaigning, utilising various mediums such as rallies, roadshows, social media, and traditional advertising to connect with the voters and try to gain maximum voters. Maybe, still know you already know whom to vote for. It is your choice to vote for your favourite party.
On the day of the election, you can cast your vote with electronic voting machines (EVMs) at designated polling stations. Find your polling booth as well as the day of voting in your area. However, Lok Sabha Election 2024 is aiming to encourage the maximum voter turnout to empower every citizen to vote for their right. Higher voter turnout means healthy democracy in India. It shows the active participation of citizens in the electoral process or democracy of India. Everyone should vote for Lok Sabha Election 2024 if they are eligible. After voting, you need to wait for the result. The votes will be counted, and the results will be declared by the Election Commission and it will take time.
FAQs:-
Q.1 Who can vote in India?
Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above has the right to vote.
Q.2 How can I download my Voter ID (EPIC)?
You can download it from the official ECI website or via SMS using your EPIC number.
Q.3 How can I find my polling booth?
Use the electoral search website or app or call the Voter Helpline to find your polling booth.
Q.4 What is the election schedule?
The general elections in India are scheduled from April 19, 2024, to June 1, 2024.
Q.5 What is the voting process at the location?
Arrive at the polling booth, verify your identity, cast your vote using the EVM, and get inked as proof of voting.
Q.6 What identity cards are eligible for voting?
Voter ID, Aadhar Card, Passport, Driving Licence, PAN Card, Service Identity Cards, Bank Passbooks with photo, and more.
Q.7 What is a Voter ID (EPIC)?
It is an Elector Photo Identity Card issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for eligible voters.
Q.8 Is Aadhar Card valid for voting?
Yes, Aadhar Card is a valid identity card for the voting process.
Q.9 Can I use my Passport for voting?
Yes, a Passport is a valid identity document for voting.
Q.10 Is a PAN Card accepted for voting?
Yes, PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department is valid for voting.
Q.11 Are there any special arrangements for government employees to vote?
Yes, service identity cards for government employees are accepted for voting.
Q.12 Can I use my bank passbook for voting?
Yes, bank passbooks with a photograph issued by a bank/post office are valid for voting.
Q.13 What if I don’t have any of the mentioned identity cards?
You may contact the Election Commission for alternative arrangements.
Q.14 What happens if I am not on the voter list?
You need to register yourself as a voter on the official ECI or SEC website.
Q.15 Can I register to vote online?
Yes, you can register online on the Election Commission’s website.
Q.16 Is voting compulsory in India?
Voting is a right and a responsibility, but it is not compulsory in India.
Q.17 Can I vote without a Voter ID?
You can use any of the eligible identity cards mentioned earlier for voting.
Q.18 What is the purpose of the ink mark after voting?
The ink mark indicates that you have cast your vote and prevents multiple voting.
Q.19 Can I vote in a constituency other than my own?
No, you can only vote in the constituency where you are registered as a voter.
Q.20 What should I do if I face any issues while voting?
Contact the polling officials or the Election Commission helpline for assistance.
Also Read:-
- Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Schedule: Dates, Phases, and Highlights l Polls begin on April 19, counting on June 4
- Madhya Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Phases, Candidates, Results
- Maharashtra Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, Dates, Phases, Seats, Candidates
- Uttar Pradesh Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Schedule, Key Seats, Candidates
- Rajasthan Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Phases, Candidates | Latest Updates
- Karnataka Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Dates, Phases, Candidates | Political Landscape Analysis