How can NRIs Vote in the Lok Sabha Elections 2024?

The foundation of democracy rests in the empowerment of voting, extending its reach beyond borders to encompass non-resident Indians (NRIs) in India’s global democratic sphere.

As the 2024 Lok Sabha elections approach, the central government is actively encouraging Non-Resident Indian (NRI) voters to participate in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. These elections will span seven stages, commencing on April 19th, with the results declared on June 4th. Further, if you are heading to India for the upcoming elections then grab cheap air tickets to India from USA for a seamless journey.

We from Tripbeam aim to assist NRIs in navigating the process, which includes completing and submitting Form 6A online on the Election Commission’s official website.

Are NRIs Eligible to Vote?

Yes, NRIs have the right to vote, provided they are physically present in India during the election. However, NRIs who are abroad during the election period cannot cast their votes. So, if you are visiting India for the Lok Sabha elections 2024, you can purchase cheapest business class flights to India from USA to experience luxury and comfort. Registration is mandatory to exercise voting rights.

As of 1st January, approximately 1.15 lakh overseas voters had registered themselves as eligible voters and are eligible to participate in the 2024 General Elections.

Can NRIs vote from abroad?

For the 2024 elections, NRIs are unable to vote from abroad. They must physically visit India to cast their votes in person. We have some Essential Travel Tips for NRIs Visiting India for the Lok Sabha Election 2024.

Can NRIs vote online?

While online voting would be convenient for NRIs unable to visit India during elections, it is presently prohibited. The Indian Government has proposed including NRIs in the E-Postal Ballot System (ETPBS), but it’s not in effect for 2024.

Currently, only specific voter categories are permitted to vote via ETPBS:

• Members of the Armed Forces on Duty
• Central Armed Police Forces
• Indian Embassies
• Diplomatic Missions
• Media persons
• Voters aged 80 or above or with disabilities
• Voters under preventive detention

The requirements for NRIs to be eligible to vote in the elections

Any Non-Resident Indian (NRI) who retains Indian citizenship and hasn’t renounced it for another country can register as a voter, provided they are physically present in India during the election. Their primary residence can be overseas.

NRIs can register to vote in the constituency corresponding to the address mentioned in their Indian passport.

To be eligible to vote in India, NRIs must meet the following criteria:

1. The NRI must be an Indian citizen who has not obtained overseas citizenship.
2. The individual must be at least 18 years old on the first day of January of the revision of the electoral roll. For example, eligibility for this year’s election requires an NRI to be 18 years old at the beginning of January 2024.

Tip:– If you are someone seeking cheap flight tickets from Canada to India, you must grab cheap flight tickets from Canada to India through Tripbeam.ca at cost-effective pricing.

How can NRIs Register to Vote?

The process for NRI voter registration in India involves registering for the constituency based on the address listed on their passport.

• Identify your polling station using an interactive map or by contacting the Election officer.
• Fill out Form 6A online at the National Voters Services Portal and upload the required proofs. Alternatively, obtain the form from Indian missions and submit it offline by mail or in person.
• Ensure all supporting documents are attested if submitting the form by post.
• If submitting in person, visit your constituency’s Electoral Registration Officer and bring your original passport for verification.

The Verification Process is as Follows

Following submission, the Booth Level Officer will personally visit the home listed in your passport and verify the paperwork. If the documents cannot be verified, the concerned Indian mission verifies them. The office communicates the decision via post and SMS, based on the information provided in Form 6A. The Chief Electoral Officer’s website publishes the electoral rolls, including the names of overseas electors in a separate section. NRIs can use Form No. 8 to rectify errors in the electoral roll.

Here are some crucial points regarding NRI voter registration in India:

• Enrollment on the electoral roll is permitted only once, requiring a declaration of not having previously enrolled as a general elector.
• When submitting Form 6A, you must provide identification if already registered as a general elector.
• Upon permanent return to India, one can register as a resident Indian general elector in their respective constituency.

How can NRIs cast their vote in India Elections?

NRIs are eligible to vote in Indian elections only if they are physically present in India on voting day, maintain Indian citizenship, and have completed the registration process.

On voting day, NRIs must personally visit the polling booth and present original identification documents. There are no alternative methods for NRIs to cast their votes.

Despite these limitations, NRIs should still actively engage in the democratic process. Every vote holds significance and can influence the direction of governance. Even if unable to vote in person, NRIs can express their support for candidates online and encourage Indian citizens to exercise their right to vote. Lastly, if you are in a hurry to cast your vote, you can buy last minute flight deals to India from USA only on Tripbeam.