First Time Voters in India

The Indian Constitution has granted voting rights to all citizens of sound mind who are above the age of 18 years, irrespective of the individual’s caste, religion, social, or economic status. Voting is legal right that is granted to citizens and not a fundamental right. 

In case you are a first-time voter, the registration process must be completed before you can vote. The registration process can be completed online and the necessary documents must be uploaded.  

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Voting Rights for First-Time Voters in India

Given below are some of the rights of voters that have been granted by the Indian Constitution: 

  1. Right to Know 
  2. Right Not to Vote (NOTA) 
  3. Special Assistance to Infirm and Illiterate Voters 
  4. NRI and Prisoner Voting Rights 
  5. Tendered Votes 

Online Registration Process to Vote in India

The procedure that must be followed to complete the registration process online is mentioned below: 

  1. Visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/
  2. Click on ‘Sign-Up’. 
  3. Once the sign-up process has been completed, log in to your account
  4. Next, Form 6 must be filled and the necessary documents must be uploaded to complete the registration process. 

Offline Registration Process to Vote in India

The process that must be followed to complete the registration process offline is mentioned below: 

  1. Two copies of Form 6 must be filled. You can visit the offices of Booth Level Officers and Electoral Registration Officers/ Assistant Electoral Registration Officers to get Form 6. 
  2. The relevant documents must be submitted along with Form 6.  

What is the Voting Process in India for First-Time Voters?

The process that is followed at the voting booth when you vote is mentioned below: 

  1. First, an official at the polling booth will ensure your name is mentioned on the voter list. Identity proof must be submitted. 
  2. Next, your finger will be inked by the second official. 
  3. Next, you can go to the polling booth. 
  4. Next, you can record your vote. 
  5. Once you vote, a beep sound will be heard. 
  6. Once your vote has been caste, a slip will appear. 
  7. You can opt for NOTA as well. 

What is the Eligibility Criteria to Vote in India?

The eligibility criteria that must be met in case you wish to vote are mentioned below: 

  1. Indian citizens are allowed to vote. 
  2. You must be at least 18 years old. 
  3. You are an ordinary resident in the polling area. 
  4. Disqualified individuals cannot vote. 

Identity Card 

Any of the below-mentioned documents can be provided as proof of identity: 

  1. Aadhaar Card 
  2. Pension document with a photograph present 
  3. MNREGA Job Card 
  4. PAN Card 
  5. Driving License 
  6. Voter ID 
  7. Identity cards that have been issued by MLCs/ MLAs/ MPs 
  8. Health Insurance Smart Card 
  9. Passbook with a photograph present 
  10. Passport 

FAQs on First Time Voters in India

  • Is it possible to download Form 6 online?

    Yes, you can visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/ to download Form 6. 

  • Do I have to pay a fee to get Form 6?

    No charges are levied to get Form 6. 

  • Whom should I contact in case of any help regarding the registration process?

    You can call 1950 in case of any help regarding the registration process. 

  • Can I register a complaint online?

      Yes, you can register a complaint online by visiting https://eci-citizenservices.eci.nic.in/.   

  • Can I check the status of the complaint online?

    Yes, you can check the status of the complaint by visiting https://eci-citizenservices.eci.nic.in/trackstatus.aspx. 

  • What details will I need to provide to check the status of the complaint?

    The reference number or complain ID must be provided to check the status of the complaint. 

  • Can I check my polling station online?

      Yes, you can check you polling station by visiting https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in/pollingstation.   

  • What details must be entered to check the polling station?

    The EPIC number and captcha must be entered to check the polling station. 

  • Can download the EPIC Card online?

    Yes, you can download the E-EPIC Card online. 

  • Should I complete the registration process to download the E-EPIC Card?

    Yes, you should complete the registration process to download the E-EPIC Card. 

Supreme Court Hears ECI Stand: No Aadhaar or Ration Card as Voter ID Proof

Supreme Court Hears ECI Stand: No Aadhaar or Ration Card as Voter ID Proof

In the present Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar electoral rolls, the Supreme Court has been informed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) that Aadhaar and ration cards are not recognized as evidence of eligibility to vote. Aadhaar can be used to confirm identification, but it cannot be used to confirm citizenship, it was clear. Ration cards are issued by State officials in compliance with the National Food Security Act. The number of fake and temporary cards in use affects their validity. As a result, the 11 documents that can be used to certify a person's ability to vote no longer include ration cards. The ECI noted that Aadhaar and ration cards can only be used as supporting documentation and not as independent proof of enrollment in the electoral roll in order to maintain the validity of the SIR procedure. 

23 July 2025
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