India’s general election begins today, marking a pivotal moment for Indians to choose their future. Voting will take place in seven phases, from April 19 to June 1.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re wondering who can take part in this democratic process:
- Individuals who is older than eighteen (18) is able to vote.
- The voter list, commonly referred to as the electoral roll, must contain your name. Through your locality’s Electoral Registration Officer, you can confirm your enrollment status.
- To prevent legal issues, make sure your name is only registered for one parliamentary seat.
Important documents which are required to cast your vote :
- Voter ID Card (EPIC)
- Aadhar card
- PAN card
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card
- Service identity card
- Bank/Post Office passbook with a photo
- Driving license
- Passport
- Smart code issued by RGI under NPR
- Pension document
- Official cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
- MNREGA job card
How to vote?
There are certain guidelines to follow to cast your vote: (details from the official website of the Election Commission of India)
- First polling official will check your name on the voter list and check your ID proof
- Second polling official will ink your finger, give you a slip and take your signature on a register (Form 17A)
- You will have to deposit the slip at the third polling official and show your inked finger and then proceed to the polling booth
- Record your vote by pressing the ballot button opposite the symbol of the candidate of your choice on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); You will hear a beep sound
- Check the slip that appears in the transparent window of the VVPAT machine. The slip with the Candidate serial No., Name and Symbol shall be visible for 7 seconds before it drops in the sealed VVPAT box
- You can press NOTA, None of the Above, if you don’t like any candidate; it’s the last button on the EVM
- Always follow the official portal for information and updates on elections ecisveep.nic.in
Polling will be held in all seats of Tamil Nadu (39), Uttarakhand (5), Arunachal Pradesh (2), Meghalaya (2), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (1), Mizoram (1), Nagaland (1), Puducherry (1), Sikkim (1), and Lakshadweep (1). Besides, there will be voting in 12 seats in Rajasthan, 8 in Uttar Pradesh, 6 in Madhya Pradesh, 5 seats each in Assam and Maharashtra, 4 in Bihar, 3 in West Bengal, 2 in Manipur, and one seat each in Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh.
Things that are prohibited within the polling booth premises:
Electronic devices like cameras and mobile phones are not allowed inside the polling booth premises.
About the Election Commission of India
The ECI is a self-governing constitutional authority that oversees the election process in India in conformity with the Indian Constitution. The ECI was established on January 25, 1950, with the objective of regulating our country’s election process. The ECI is responsible for monitoring elections from the President to the State Legislative Assembly. According to Article 324 of the Indian Constitution, the Election Commission of India has supervisory and directing authority for the whole election process to the legislatures of each state, as well as India’s president and vice president.
