New Delhi. General elections are going to be held in India from 19 April 2024 to 1 June 2024. To participate in the voting process, you must be registered as a voter. The minimum age requirement to vote in India is 18 years old. If you have just reached the age of 18, then you are eligible to get yourself registered as a voter. 

Can you register as a voter if you are 17 years old?

Earlier, one needed to be 18 by 1st of January to enrol in the voters’ list. However, according to new regulations 17-year-old individuals can also register as a voter, provided that they turn 18 on any of the three mentioned dates i.e., April 1, July 1, and October 1. 

How to register online

Election Commission of India offers both online and offline services for applying for a Voter ID card. To register as a voter, the applicant must be an Indian citizen with a minimum age of 18 years. To apply online, visit the website of Election Commission of India at https://voterportal.eci.gov.in/. Go to the Form 6 section and fill out the required details. Then you will be directed to a new page, where you can log in again. Submit the form by providing the required information. 

How to register offline

You can also visit your nearest Election Office to procure Form 6. To apply offline, fill out two copies of Form 6 that are available at these offices for free. Fill the application form, attach the required information and submit it to the ERO or AERO. For assistance, you can also contact Booth Level Officers (BLOs).

Documents required

For filling Form 6, you will need to attach a few necessary documents. For proof of date of birth, submit documents such as birth certificate, Aadhaar card, PAN car, driving license, class 10 certificate, or an Indian passport. For proof of residence, attach documents such as water bill, electricity bill, gas connection bill, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, post office passbook, Indian passport, land paper, or registered rent lease deed (for tenants). Applicants can contact 1950 for more support.

Also read: FAQs on Elector Photo Identity Card

A guide for first-time voters