Want to vote in India but not sure where to start? You’re in the right place. This guide explains—step by step—how to register, check your name, find your polling booth, and cast your vote using EVM–VVPAT. We’ll also cover special options like home voting for senior citizens and PwD voters, rules about phones at booths, NOTA, and overseas voter rules. Everything is written in plain language and organized for quick scanning, with at-a-glance tables under each section.
1) Who can vote in India?
If you’re an Indian citizen, 18 or older on the relevant qualifying date, and you ordinarily live in your constituency, you can register and vote. After the 2021 legal change, the law provides four qualifying dates—January 1, April 1, July 1, and October 1—to accept advance applications for new voters during the revision cycle. In practice, rolls are finalized with January 1 as the qualifying date each year, while advance applications are allowed for the other dates.
At a glance: Voter eligibility
| Criterion | What it means |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be an Indian citizen. |
| Age | 18+ on a qualifying date (1 Jan, 1 Apr, 1 Jul, 1 Oct) for advance applications; annual rolls use Jan 1 as qualifying date. |
| Ordinary residence | You live (ordinarily reside) in the constituency where you register. |
Good to know: If you turn 18 after January 1, you don’t have to wait an entire year—submit an advance application tied to the other qualifying dates. Your name will be added in the next update.
2) How to register as a voter (new voters & updates)
You can register, correct details, or change address online via the Voters’ Services Portal or the Voter Helpline app. New voters use Form 6. Corrections/transpositions use Form 8. Deletions (e.g., if a family member moved or passed away) use Form 7.
Registration & updates—your options
| Need | Form | Where to apply | Typical documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| New registration (General elector) | Form 6 | voters.eci.gov.in (online) or local ERO office; also via Voter Helpline app | Proof of age (if needed), address proof, passport-size photo (per portal prompts). |
| Correct, update, or shift within AC/other AC | Form 8 | Same as above | Supporting proof for the change (e.g., new address document). |
| Object to entry or delete from roll | Form 7 | Same as above | Reason & supporting proof (if any). |
| Track status | — | Voters’ Services Portal / Voter Helpline app | Use application ID to track status. |
Tip: The official Voter Helpline app (ECI) lets you register, check your name, download your e-EPIC (digital voter card), find your booth, and file grievances—all in one place. It’s maintained by the Election Commission of India.
3) How to check your name & find your polling booth
Before election day, confirm that you’re on the electoral roll and note your booth location.
Quick ways to check
| Task | How to do it |
|---|---|
| Check if you’re on the roll | Search by name/EPIC on the Electoral Search service (linked from voters.eci.gov.in) or use the Voter Helpline app. |
| Find your polling booth | Use Electoral Search, Voter Helpline app, or call 1950 (add your STD code if needed). |
| Get help by phone | 1950 is the nationwide voter helpline operated across districts. |
4) What to carry to the polling station
You should take your EPIC (voter ID card). If you don’t have it, you can still vote by showing any one of the permitted photo IDs. The Election Commission’s instructions list 12 alternative documents beyond EPIC (states echo the same list during polls). Note: The paper voter slip is not valid by itself as proof of identity.
Accepted identity documents (any one)
| Document (any one) |
|---|
| Aadhaar card |
| MNREGA job card |
| Passbook with photo (bank/post office) |
| Driving licence |
| PAN card |
| Indian passport |
| Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR |
| Service ID card (Central/State/PSUs/Public Limited Companies) |
| Health insurance Smart Card issued by Labour Ministry agencies |
| Pension document with photo |
| Official ID cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs |
| Disability ID (Unique Disability ID/other Govt disability ID) |
(State CEO orders during the 2024 LS polls list the above; the ECI also reiterated that the voter slip is not a standalone ID.)
5) What to expect inside the booth: EVM–VVPAT in simple steps
India uses Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail). The process is easy:
- Poll staff verify your identity and ink your finger.
- You’re directed to a private voting compartment.
- Press the blue button next to your chosen candidate on the EVM (Ballot Unit).
- VVPAT prints a slip showing candidate’s serial number, name, and symbol. The slip is visible through a window for about 7 seconds, then falls into a sealed box. That’s your instant confirmation.
EVM–VVPAT at a glance
| Step | What you see/hear | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Press button on EVM | Red light glows briefly on that candidate | Your vote is recorded in the Control Unit. |
| Look at VVPAT window | Paper slip with candidate details for ~7 seconds | You verify the vote. Slip then cuts and drops automatically. |
| Beep sound | Short beep | Confirms the button press on the EVM. (If no slip/beep, inform the Presiding Officer.) |
Why there’s paper at all: VVPAT lets you verify your choice and provides a paper trail for audits as per ECI protocols.
6) Poll day rules you should know (phones, queues, silence period)
A few simple rules make voting smooth and secret.
Essential do’s & don’ts (for voters)
| Topic | The rule |
|---|---|
| Phone policy | Mobiles are not allowed inside the polling station. The ECI has recently directed the setup of mobile-deposit facilities outside booths so you can safely leave your phone before entering. Some stations may be exempt if local conditions require. |
| Queues & priority | Separate queues and facilitation for senior citizens, pregnant women, and PwD voters are part of poll station planning and instructions. |
| Silence period | Campaigning must stop 48 hours before the close of poll to let voters decide calmly (Section 126, RP Act, 1951). |
| Secrecy | No one can force you to reveal your vote; cameras and smart devices are not permitted inside the voting compartment. |
7) Special assistance & home voting (senior citizens & PwD)
For the first time in a nationwide general election (2024), the ECI offered home voting (postal ballot at home) for voters above 85 years and for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) with ≥40% disability. Voters in these categories apply using Form 12D when the election is notified. A full team visits, and secrecy is maintained. The facility has now been extended pan-India, with ECI emphasizing inclusion.
Home/postal voting snapshot
| Who qualifies | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 85+ years | Submit Form 12D within the stipulated window after election announcement | If you opt for postal ballot/home voting, you cannot vote at the booth on poll day. |
| PwD with ≥40% benchmark disability | Submit Form 12D | Team visits your home; voting is secret, witnessed by officials/security. |
Other facilitations: Ramps, priority queues, wheelchairs where available, and volunteers are part of the inclusive voting plan. Use 1950 or the Voter Helpline app to request local assistance.
8) Overseas (NRI) voters: how to register & vote
If you’re an Indian citizen living abroad (and not a citizen of another country), you can register as an Overseas Elector using Form 6A. Currently, overseas voters must vote in person at their home constituency in India (carrying the original passport). The ECI has repeatedly explored e-postal ballot for NRIs, but in general practice, in-person voting remains the norm unless the law and notifications say otherwise.
Overseas (NRI) voting: quick facts
| Step | How it works |
|---|---|
| Register | Fill Form 6A online via the Voters’ Services Portal or submit to your ERO; forms are also available at Indian Missions. |
| Documents | Passport-size photo + self-attested passport pages (identity, Indian address) + valid visa/residence info (per portal). |
| Voting method | In person at your home AC in India; show original passport at the booth. (Overseas electors are generally not issued EPIC.) |
9) NOTA: “None of the Above”
If you don’t support any candidate, you can choose NOTA on the EVM. Your vote is recorded as “none of the above.” In Indian general and assembly elections, NOTA does not trigger a re-poll; the candidate with the highest valid votes still wins. (The Supreme Court directed ECI to provide NOTA in 2013; NOTA is not used in Rajya Sabha/indirect elections.)
NOTA in one look
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is NOTA? | A button on the EVM that lets you legally reject all listed candidates. |
| Does NOTA cancel the election? | No. Highest-vote candidate still wins even if NOTA gets more votes than any candidate. |
| Is NOTA available everywhere? | Available on EVMs for direct elections; withdrawn for Rajya Sabha/State Legislative Council polls. |
10) Common issues & easy fixes
| Problem | What to try |
|---|---|
| Name missing from roll | If you recently applied, track status on the portal/app. If you never applied or moved, submit Form 6 (new) or Form 8 (shift). |
| EPIC lost or not delivered | Use e-EPIC (digital download) via portal/app; carry any accepted photo ID if you don’t have the physical card. |
| Booth location unclear | Check Electoral Search, the Voter Helpline app, or call 1950. |
| Need assistance (PwD, 85+) | Ask your BLO/ERO, call 1950, use the Voter Helpline app, or apply for home voting with Form 12D during poll notification period. |
| EVM–VVPAT confusion | Look for the 7-second VVPAT slip to verify your vote; if you don’t see a slip or hear a beep, inform the Presiding Officer right away. |
11) Your simple poll-day checklist
| Checklist item | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Check your name & booth the day before | Saves time and avoids last-minute surprises. |
| Carry one valid photo ID | EPIC or any one of the 12 accepted IDs. |
| Arrive during notified hours | Timings vary by constituency; check the app/helpline. |
| No phone inside | Use deposit counter outside; phones aren’t allowed in the polling station. |
| Verify on VVPAT window | You get ~7 seconds to verify your choice. |
| Need help? | Ask polling staff; they’re there to assist. Priority queues may be available for seniors, pregnant women, PwD. |
12) Report violations easily (money, gifts, loudspeakers, etc.)
If you see a Model Code of Conduct violation (cash/gifts to voters, illegal posters, loudspeakers beyond hours, etc.), use cVIGIL—the ECI’s official app. It captures a live photo/video with location and routes it to flying squads. The ECI reports very high disposal within target time during major elections. You can also call 1950.
cVIGIL—quick guide
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Download cVIGIL (Android/iOS) from official stores. |
| 2 | Record live photo/video via the app (auto-captures location). |
| 3 | Submit; track the case in-app. (1950 helpline works too.) |
13) Quick glossary of forms & services
| Name | Use |
|---|---|
| Form 6 | New voter registration (resident voters). |
| Form 7 | Object to an entry or request deletion. |
| Form 8 | Correction/update/shift in the roll. |
| Form 12D | Postal ballot/home voting request for 85+ and PwD ≥40% categories (when notified). |
| Form 6A | Overseas (NRI) voter registration. |
| Voter Helpline app | All-in-one: register, check roll/booth, download e-EPIC, complaints, results. |
| cVIGIL | Report MCC violations during elections. |
14) FAQ—fast answers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Can I vote without an EPIC? | Yes—carry any one of the accepted photo IDs listed by ECI. |
| Is the paper voter slip enough? | No. It’s not a standalone ID for voting. |
| Can I take my phone inside? | No. Use the deposit counter outside; phones aren’t allowed inside the polling station. |
| How will I know my vote is recorded correctly? | Check the VVPAT window—your chosen candidate appears for ~7 seconds; the slip then drops into a sealed box. |
| I’m 86 / I’m a PwD with ≥40% disability—can I vote from home? | Yes, if notified: apply using Form 12D in the window after poll announcement. |
| I live abroad. Can I vote by post or proxy? | As a rule, Overseas Electors vote in person in India, using their original passport; keep an eye on ECI updates for any change. |
| When does campaigning stop? | 48 hours before poll close (silence period under Section 126). |
15) Pro tips to make your vote effortless
- Register early. Don’t wait for election week; applications spike near deadlines.
- Use official channels. The Voters’ Services Portal, Voter Helpline app, and 1950 are your best sources.
- Keep one valid ID ready. Even without EPIC, you can vote with any accepted photo ID.
- Know the rules. Phone deposit counters now exist, but phones remain prohibited inside the polling station.
- Verify on VVPAT. Always glance at the VVPAT slip for those ~7 seconds.
Conclusion
Voting in India is straightforward when you break it down: register (Form 6), confirm your name and booth, carry one valid photo ID, and follow a few simple rules at the booth. If you’re a senior citizen (85+) or a PwD voter with benchmark disability, home voting can bring the ballot to you. If you’re overseas, register with Form 6A and plan your in-person vote in India. And if you see something wrong on the campaign trail, cVIGIL is a tap away. Your vote is your voice—use it.