Lok Sabha elections 2024: How to vote as a first-time voter

Lok Sabha Election 2024: Congress demands repoll in 47 polling stations in Manipur

In India's democracy, casting vote is a citizen's fundamental righ. The right to vote in their constituency is granted to all Indian nationals who turn 18 on January 1 of the year that the electoral roll is created.

Here is a quick guide to make the process of casting your first vote easier if you're getting ready to do so:

Registration: To cast a ballot, first-time voters must register on the Election Commission of India's (ECI) official website. They must fill out Form 6 online at the National Voters' Service Portal in order to register. By submitting the application in person before the Electoral Registration Officers or Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, they can also enlist offline.

Check your name in the voter list: Next, voters need to verify if their name is on the electoral roll of the constituency in which they reside. They can confirm this on the ECI website or with the local electoral registration officer. After that, they must inspect the designated polling place.

Recognise your constituency and polling booth: Based on their residence, voters are matched to a particular polling booth. Using the Election Commission's website or your voter ID card, you may determine the location of your polling place.

Also Read: How to download digital voter card from Digilocker for upcoming elections

Know the voting process: Voters must report to their voting places on election day and provide their identity credentials to the First Polling Officer. The Second Polling Officer will then need to be consulted in order to mark their left forefinger with the permanent ink. Once in the voter list, voters must sign or leave their thumb impression. Voters must select their preferred candidate by pressing the blue candidate button on the Balloting Unit on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) next to their name and symbol. The candidate's name and emblem will be illuminated by the red lamp. Once the vote is counted, a buzzer will sound and the voter will receive a slip attesting the vote.

Keep your voter ID card safe: After casting your ballot, make sure you keep your voter ID card secure. It will be necessary for next elections as well as identity verification for other purposes.

The first of seven phases of the Lok Sabha elections in India will begin on April 19. The Lower House elections will be place in seven stages this time. Assam, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand are some of the important states holding elections in Phase 1. The counting of votes will take place on June 4.

Not only is voting a right, but it also carries obligations. Voting is a vital part in determining the direction your nation will go. As a result, it is imperative that you cast your ballot in every election and urge others to do the same. Remember that each and every vote matters!