A Voter ID helps you exercise your right to vote. Here’s everything you need to know about its uses, the application process and more.
Turning 18 opens teenagers up to a world of opportunities. After all, becoming an adult is a big deal in our country. For starters, once you turn 18 you can get a driver’s license.
However, the most important thing you get after turning 18 is the right to vote. Voting is every citizen’s fundamental right, but to exercise this right you need to have a Voter ID card.
Additional Reading: UP Elections 2017 – How To Make Changes To Or Get Your Voter ID Online
Uses of a Voter ID
The Voter ID card is issued to all Indian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years and qualify to be a voter. The two main uses of a Voter ID are:
- To provide the owner the right to vote during an election in the country
- It acts as a valid photo and ID proof for several official purposes such applying for Loans, Credit Cards, purchasing property etc.
How to apply for a Voter ID card
The Voter ID enables an individual to partake in the democratic process of voting during an election. However, most people put off applying for a Voter ID only because they assume that it is a long, drawn-out application process.
In the past one could apply for this card only during an election (local or national) where booths were set up in various localities for locals to come and apply by submitting their proof of identification and nationality.
However, the Election Commission of India has now made this tedious process much easier for citizens. Today, you can apply for your Voter ID through an online application process by simply resting on your couch.
BB Tip: Speaking of online application processes, we at BankBazaar have a bunch of financial products such as Credit Cards and loans that you can apply for from the comfort of your home. Do check them out! |
Additional Reading: Enrol Online To Be Added To The Electoral Rolls
All you have to do is visit the Election Commission of India (ECI) home page and get started.
Step 1: Visit http://eci.nic.in/eci/eci.html
The website has everything you need to know about the election process, upcoming elections, schedules, electoral rolls and forms. It also has a list of guidelines for voters and various application forms to register yourself.
Based on the service you wish to avail, you can look for the relevant forms. These forms can help you with a number of services such as name change, inclusion of name on electoral roll for citizens residing in the country and overseas, members of armed forces and for those who are in Government Service jobs too. But, if you need to register to get a new Voter ID then you must look for Form 6.
Step 2: On the menu bar on the left hand side, you will see “Forms for registration in E-Roll”. Click on it.
Upon selecting Form 6 you will be diverted to another page where this form will open up.
Scroll down and read the guidelines before filling out this form.
You can download this form from the ECI website and fill it up. Once done, you will have to attach a few documents before you submit it to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer/ Assistant Electoral Registration Officer.
These documents can either be sent by post addressed to him, or can be handed over to the Booth Level Officer of your polling area. And if you’re doing it online, you can upload this form along with the necessary documents on the ECI website.
Documents to be attached along with Form 6
- One recent passport size coloured photograph, duly affixed in the box given for the purpose in Form 6
- Photo copies of documented proof of age; birth certificate issued by a Muncipal Authority or district office of the Registrar of Births & Deaths, or Baptism certificate, or birth certificate from the school (Government recognised) last attended by the applicant, or if the applicant has passed high school (standard 10th or more), he/she should provide a copy of their marks sheet that contains their date of birth. Alternatively, you can also provide copies of your Indian Passport, PAN card, Driving License, or Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI
- Documentary proof of residence can be Bank/Kisan/Post Office current passbook or Ration Card. Alternatively you can also use your Passport, Driver’s License, Income Tax Assessment Order, latest rent agreement or latest water/telephone/electricity/ gas connection bill of your current address, which is in your name.
How to get your details corrected on your Voter ID
If by any chance you have submitted incorrect details of yourself while filling out Form 6, then you don’t have to fret. You can correct the mistakes in the entries made in the electoral roll by filling out Form 8 and submitting it to the Electoral Registration Officer concerned.
How to ensure enrolment if there has been an address change
In case of address change in the same constituency, you can fill Form 8A. But, if you have moved cities then you need to submit Form 6 and submit it to the Electoral Registration Officer/ Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of the area of your new residence.
What to do if you lose your Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC)
A replacement EPIC can be issued to an elector on payment of a fee of Rs. 25, along with a copy of the complaint lodged with the police. However, should you lose your EPIC during an unavoidable circumstance like flood, fire or a natural calamity, then you will not be charged a fee.
As you can see, getting a Voter ID right now is easy-peasy. While you’re still online and browsing the ECI website you may want to check out our multiple offers on various financial products. We’re just a click away!