Are you an Indian expatriate living in the UAE and interested in taking part in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections? Even though you are far from home, you can still play a significant role in the democratic process by registering as an overseas voter.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has simplified the process for non-resident Indians (NRIs) to register as voters and exercise their right to vote. It is crucial to note that while you can add your name to the electoral roll while residing outside India, you must physically travel to your constituency in India to cast your vote.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can register as an overseas voter.
When are the elections?
According to the schedule released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Lok Sabha elections are set to be held from April 19 to June 1, 2024.
Who can register as an overseas voter?
As a citizen of India residing abroad due to employment, education, or other reasons, you have the option to enroll as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voter or overseas elector. To be eligible, you must not have acquired citizenship in any other country and meet the voter registration requirements for the address listed in your passport.
The enrollment process can be conveniently completed through both online and offline methods.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
To apply for Form 6A, please provide the following documents:
- A recent passport-sized colored photograph must be affixed to Form 6A.
- Self-attested photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, including the photograph, address in India, and all other details. Please ensure that you sign each copy provided.
- The page of your passport containing your valid visa.
Step 2: Find your constituency
Discover the name of your constituency and your role within the district or state of residence by visiting the official website of the Election Commission of India at eci.gov.in.
Step 3: Fill out Form-6A
To register as an overseas elector, you must complete Form-6A, which is the ‘Application for inclusion of name in Electoral Roll by an overseas elector.’
You have the option to fill out the form online by visiting the Voter Portal Service website at voterportal.eci.gov.in. Alternatively, you can download the form from the ECI website at eci.gov.in. Once completed, submit two copies of the form to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
If you prefer, you can also fill out the form in person with the ERO or Assistant ERO of the constituency. Remember to bring your passport for identification.
Another option is to obtain the form free of charge from the Consulate General of India.
The form will ask for basic information such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, constituency, address, passport, and visa details.
What happens after the form submission: The verification process
- A Booth Level Officer will conduct a visit to the home address listed on your passport to verify the authenticity of the document copies provided.
- In situations where there is no available or willing relative to provide a declaration for document verification, the documents will be forwarded to the appropriate Indian Mission for verification.
When you go to cast your vote, you must bring along your original passport, as it will be required for presentation at the polling station.
Are you an Indian expatriate living in the UAE and interested in taking part in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections? Even though you are far from home, you can still play a significant role in the democratic process by registering as an overseas voter.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has simplified the process for non-resident Indians (NRIs) to register as voters and exercise their right to vote. It is crucial to note that while you can add your name to the electoral roll while residing outside India, you must physically travel to your constituency in India to cast your vote.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how you can register as an overseas voter.
When are the elections?
According to the schedule released by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Lok Sabha elections are set to be held from April 19 to June 1, 2024.
Who can register as an overseas voter?
As a citizen of India residing abroad due to employment, education, or other reasons, you have the option to enroll as a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voter or overseas elector. To be eligible, you must not have acquired citizenship in any other country and meet the voter registration requirements for the address listed in your passport.
The enrollment process can be conveniently completed through both online and offline methods.
Step 1: Get your documents ready
To apply for Form 6A, please provide the following documents:
- A recent passport-sized colored photograph must be affixed to Form 6A.
- Self-attested photocopies of the relevant pages of your passport, including the photograph, address in India, and all other details. Please ensure that you sign each copy provided.
- The page of your passport containing your valid visa.
Step 2: Find your constituency
Discover the name of your constituency and your role within the district or state of residence by visiting the official website of the Election Commission of India at eci.gov.in.
Step 3: Fill out Form-6A
To register as an overseas elector, you must complete Form-6A, which is the ‘Application for inclusion of name in Electoral Roll by an overseas elector.’
You have the option to fill out the form online by visiting the Voter Portal Service website at voterportal.eci.gov.in. Alternatively, you can download the form from the ECI website at eci.gov.in. Once completed, submit two copies of the form to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
If you prefer, you can also fill out the form in person with the ERO or Assistant ERO of the constituency. Remember to bring your passport for identification.
Another option is to obtain the form free of charge from the Consulate General of India.
The form will ask for basic information such as your name, date of birth, place of birth, constituency, address, passport, and visa details.
What happens after the form submission: The verification process
- A Booth Level Officer will conduct a visit to the home address listed on your passport to verify the authenticity of the document copies provided.
- In situations where there is no available or willing relative to provide a declaration for document verification, the documents will be forwarded to the appropriate Indian Mission for verification.
When you go to cast your vote, you must bring along your original passport, as it will be required for presentation at the polling station.
