Lok Sabha elections 2024: A guide on how to vote for first-time voters

Lok Sabha Election 2024: As India goes to polls for the general elections on Friday (Apr 19), about 970 million eligible voters will decide who will hold the 543 parliamentary seats in the lower house in New Delhi. At a time when every vote carries the weight of change, there will be many who will be casting their ballot at the pollingbooth for the first time. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urgedeveryone to celebrate the elections as a festival.

Here’s a guide for first-time voters on how to vote:

1. Enrolling as a voter - Check your name in the Voter List. To cast your vote, ensure your name is on the list.

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2. Eligibility to vote - Indian citizens, ordinary residents of the polling area, and those above 18 years of age are eligible. Verify your name in the electoral roll and register for only one parliamentary constituency.

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3. Registration process - Call 1950 for any election-related queries. You can register online via voters.eci.gov.in or through the Voter Helpline App (VHA), or offline by contacting Booth Level Officers (BLO) or visiting Voter Facilitation Centres.

4. Postal ballot facility - Certain categories like senior citizens, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 affected individuals, and those employed in essential services can avail of the postal ballot facility by filling the Form 12D.

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5. Required documents - Carry any approved identity document and the Voter Information Slip to the polling station. It could be Voter ID Card (EPIC), Aadhar Card, PAN Card, Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, Service Identity Card, Passbook with photo by Bank/Post Office Health Insurance Smart Card, Driving License, Passport, Smart card issued by RGI under NPR Pension, Document Official identity card issued to MPs / MLAs/ MLCs, or MNREGA Job Card.

What is the voting process?

1. Locate your nearest polling booth.Remember, electronic devices are prohibited inside the polling booth.
2. Verification process - Your name will be verified on the voter list, and ID proof will be requested.
3. Inking and documentation - Receive indelible ink on your finger, sign in the register, and get an acknowledgment slip.
4. Proceed to the voting booth - Hand over the slip, display your inked finger, and enter the booth.

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5. Casting your vote - Press the button corresponding to your preferred candidate's symbol on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). You will see a red light and hear a long beep sound.Choose "None of the Above" if none of the candidates align with your choice.

6. Verification via VVPAT machine - Check the slip displaying your chosen candidate's details. It will have the serial number, name, and election symbol of your chosen candidate and the slip will be visible for 7 seconds and will then drop in the sealed VVPAT box.

For any changes or corrections in the voter list, fill Form 8 or Form 7 for objections.

(With inputs from agencies)