As the first of the seven phases of Lok Sabha elections started on Friday, let’s not miss the opportunity to cast our votes. How to check if your name is enrolled, where is the nearest polling booth, answers to all these queries are provided here. Read through and make your voice heard by casting votes.  

1. Who can vote

Every Indian citizen who has attained the age of 18 years is eligible to vote.

2. How to check if your name is are enrolled

• Log into https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in

• Call voter helpline 1950 (add your STD code before dialling)

• SMS space to 1950 (EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card also commonly known as Voter ID card). Example - If your EPIC is 12345678 then sms ECI 12345678 to 1950

• Download Voter Helpline App (Android) and Voter Helpline App (iOS)

3. How to register as new voter

• Fill out Form 6 online.

• Overseas voters need to fill out Form 6A at https://voters.eci.gov.in

4. Know your candidates

• Visit Candidate Affidavit Portal (https://affidavit.eci.gov.in/) or download the Voter Helpline App (Android) and Voter Helpline App (iOS) to see the list of candidates.

5. Find your polling booth

• Visit https://electoralsearch.eci.gov.in or use the app to find their polling booth

• You can also call 1950 (add your STD code before dialling)

• For Polling station location, SMS space to 1950

6. How do I vote in person?

1. First, polling official will check your name on the voter list and check your ID proof
2. Second polling official will ink your finger, give you a slip and take your signature on a register (Form 17A)
3. Deposit the slip with the third polling official and show your inked finger and then proceed to the polling booth
4. Record your vote by pressing the ballot button opposite the symbol of the candidate of your choice on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). You will hear a beep sound.
5. Check the slip that appears in the transparent window of the VVPAT machine. The slip with the Candidate serial No., Name and Symbol shall be visible for 7 seconds before it drops in the sealed VVPAT box.
6. You can press NOTA, None of the Above, if you don't like any candidate; it's the last button on the EVM.
7. For more information, please see the Voter Guide on ecisveep.nic.in

* Mobile phones, cameras or any other gadget is not allowed inside a polling booth.

7. What Identification documents should I bring to vote?

Voters can carry any of the below mentioned ID cards for polling:

• EPIC (Voter ID card)

• Aadhaar Card

• Passport

• Driving Licence

• Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office

• PAN Card

• Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR

• Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies

• MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)

• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour

• Pension document with photograph

• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs

8. When is the Election?

1st Phase: 19 April. States going to polls: 21

2nd Phase: 26 April. States going to polls: 13

3rd Phase: 07 May. States going to polls: 12

4th Phase: 13 May. States going to polls: 10

*Source: Election Commission of India