How do I register to vote in India?

To register to vote in India, you need to follow a few steps. The process is governed by the Election Commission of India (ECI), which is responsible for conducting elections in the country. Please note that the following information is based on the general registration process, and there may be variations depending on your specific location. It is always recommended to refer to the official website of the Election Commission of India or contact your local election office for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

1. Eligibility Criteria:
– You must be a citizen of India.
– You should be at least 18 years old as of January 1st of the year in which the electoral roll is prepared.
– You should be a resident of the constituency where you wish to register.

2. Online Registration Process:
– Visit the National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP) website at https://www.nvsp.in/.
– Click on “Apply online for registration of new voter.”
– Fill in the required details such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, current address, etc.
– Upload scanned copies of necessary documents such as proof of age, address proof, and a passport-sized photograph.
– Submit the application form online.

3. Offline Registration Process:
– Obtain Form 6, which is the application form for new voter registration. You can get it from your local Electoral Registration Office or download it from the ECI website.
– Fill in all the required details in Form 6, including your personal information and address.
– Attach necessary documents such as proof of age, address proof, and a passport-sized photograph.
– Submit the completed form along with the supporting documents to your local Electoral Registration Office either in person or by post.

4. Verification Process:
– After submitting your application, it will go through a verification process conducted by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
– The ERO may visit your residence to verify the details provided in the application.
– Once the verification is complete, your name will be included in the electoral roll, and you will receive a voter ID card.

5. Checking Application Status:
– If you have applied online, you can check the status of your application on the NVSP website using the reference number provided during the registration process.
– If you have applied offline, you can check the status by contacting your local Electoral Registration Office.

6. Voting:
– Once your name is included in the electoral roll and you receive your voter ID card, you are eligible to vote in elections.
– On the day of voting, visit your designated polling booth with your voter ID card or any other valid identification document.
– Cast your vote by following the instructions provided at the polling booth.

It is important to note that voter registration deadlines may vary depending on the upcoming elections. Therefore, it is advisable to register well in advance to ensure your participation.

Top 3 Authoritative Reference Publications or Domain Names:
1. Election Commission of India (https://eci.gov.in/)
2. National Voter’s Service Portal (https://www.nvsp.in/)
3. India.gov.in (https://www.india.gov.in/)