The Indian government has accepted NRI online requests for voter ID cards in order to accommodate the demand of NRIs who wish to be authorized to vote in Indian elections. The World Wide Web makes it simpler to apply from any location across the globe as a result of global digitization. An NRI can submit an application online for voter identification without ever having to travel to an ERO in India. Voter registration has expanded as a result of this action.
1950s Representation of the People’s Act
The Representatives of the People’s Act of 1950 states that before 2010, there was no exemption for NRIs. NRIs were later included in the Act, enabling them to submit an application for their voter identification cards from abroad instead of India. The amendment enables any NRI who does not possess citizenship in the nation in which they now reside and who is at least 18 years old to sign up for a voter identification card. Living abroad for school, business, a job, family, or other reasons is possible. The sole restriction is that you cannot be a citizen of that nation.
For you to be accepted for an NRI voter identification card, you must fulfil the following conditions:
- You shouldn’t be a citizen of the nation where you now live.
- You must be older than 18 years old.
- You need a photograph.
- A current Indian passport is required.
- A capable officer of the Indian Mission in the country of residency must confirm the passport page that contains the applicant’s identification and address information.
- Your passport information will be used as the name on the ballot.
Online NRI Voter ID Process
The process to apply for an NRI voter ID is quite straightforward. Apply online by following these easy instructions.
- Go to the ECI website and select your state or union territory to access the electoral commission of India division for that state.
- Download Form 6A by choosing it.
- Print the form, then complete it.
- You must enter your information exactly as it appears on your paperwork and passport.
- A competent office of the Indian Mission in the nation where you are now a resident must certify your passport.
- Scan the completed form, your attested passport copy, and any other supporting documentation.
- You may set up a login ID and password if online registration is allowed in your location.
- You will have the ability to complete your application online and upload scanned copies of your supporting papers.
- However, you don’t have this choice; you can email those soft copies to the State Election website’s email address.
Online NRI Voter ID Application
To get approved for your NRI Voter ID offline, go to an ERO in India, fill out the form, provide your supporting documentation, and submit your application. You will need to engage in some web-based activities if you want to submit the application from afar. The form is available for downloading and printing on the ECI website. After filling it out, scan it. Scan all necessary documentation, then submit it to the location listed on the website.
Offline Application for NRI Voter ID
If you want to make an offline application for NRI voter identification, you must go to an ERO in India, complete the application, provide the required documentation, and submit the application. A certain quantity of internet activity is necessary if you want to submit the application from somewhere other than India. On the ECI website, the form is available for download and printing. Before scanning it, fill it out. Submit the essential papers to the location shown on the website after scanning them all.
Proxy Voting
The Election Commission has identified the proxy ballot as the most practical method for NRI voters to use. NRI voters would have the option of choosing to participate in this procedure, which entails the eligible voter alerting someone close to them in India who is also qualified to cast a ballot of his or her choice. The vote will thereafter be cast as a representative of the NRI voter by the Indian citizen voter.
E-Postal Voting
The e-postal ballot seems to be the most secure method of voting. To be registered to vote in the next election, an entitled NRI voter must submit a petition to the Returning Officer six months before the House’s adjournment. You can physically or electronically submit this application. The postal ballot will be delivered immediately at the time of the elections when the returning officer has confirmed the information on the NRI voter ID. To maintain the process’s privacy, the voter will receive a password. After receiving the ballot, the voter may cast it; the ballot must then be delivered to the returning officer.
Voter ID Restrictions for NRIs
Many NRIs are happy with the option to apply online for a voter ID. Despite how useful it has been, there are a few limitations that prevent their vote from being counted. In order to vote, NRIs must be present at the polling place in their nation. At any Indian Embassy, there is no option for voting from outside of India. You must have your original passport with you when voting. Only the constituency within which he or she has registered to vote is open to NRIs.
FAQs
To be added to the voter’s roll, the NRI must submit Form 6A together with other necessary documentation.
If an NRI returns to India and has a place of residence of their own, they may register as general electors.
No, an NRI is only permitted to cast one vote.
With the use of a proxy, an NRI’s close relative can vote on their behalf.
No, an NRI may not vote at their home country’s Indian embassy.