Question

You will turn 18 in a few years. As a responsible citizen, you should register yourself as a voter. Find out the various steps of the procedure for registration and the list of required documents for the same. Discuss, with anyone who has just turned 18 and has registered as a voter, the ease or difficulty faced in the voter registration process.

Answer 1

Steps for voter registration:

1. Visit the ECI Voters’ Services Portal or use the Voter Helpline App.
2. Select New Voter Registration (Form 6).
3. Enter personal details, date of birth and residential address.
4. Upload the required photograph and documents.
5. Submit the application and keep the application/reference number.
6. After verification, the name is added to the electoral roll and the EPIC (Voter ID) is issued.

Required documents:

• Recent passport-size colour photograph.
• Age proof: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Class X/XII certificate with DOB, or Indian Passport.
• Address proof: A document showing the applicant’s ordinary residence, as specified in Form 6 guidelines.

Experience of a newly registered voter:

I discussed the process with a person who recently registered. They found the online process simple and convenient, although uploading documents and completing verification took some time. Overall, the registration process was easy with the online facilities provided by the ECI.