How overseas Indians (NRIs) can register as voters in India

Ahead of the 18th Lok Sabha elections, the Indian government has urged NRIs to cast their vote. The elections will be conducted in seven phases.

Overseas Indians, who are citizens of India but temporarily reside abroad due to employment or educational commitments and have not acquired citizenship of any other country, have the opportunity to register as voters in India.

Steps to Register as an Overseas Elector:

Form Submission: NRIs must fill out Form 6A, available on the Election Commission’s website, with their Indian residential address listed in their passport.

voters.eci.gov.in – Election Commission of India

What are the documents required?

As per the Election Commission website, applicants must submit one recent passport-size coloured photograph along with Form 6A. Additionally, they should provide self-attested photocopies of the passport containing a photograph, address in India, and a valid visa endorsement.

What happens after the form submission?

A booth-level officer will visit the address mentioned in the passport and verify the copies of the documents.

The ERO will inform the applicant of their decision by post and SMS to the provided address and mobile number in Form 6A. Electoral rolls are accessible on the Chief Electoral Officer’s website.

EC website mentions that Form-8 can be used to make any correction in the electoral roll.