With the Lok Sabha elections just a few days away, here is an ‘Indian Elections 101’ especially for the first-time voters which will let them have a say in shaping the future of the world’s largest democracy.

India’s general elections, beginning from Apr 19 is the world’s largest electoral exercise with more than 1.8 crore people voting for the first-time, according to the data from the election commission.

First things first— register!

Ensure you are registered to vote. You should have a voter ID- election photo identity card (EPIC). If not, go to the voters’ service portal website.

If you already have an EPIC, check your name on the electoral roll. Visit the election commission website and click on “search for your name in the electoral roll” on the home page. After that, insert your EPIC number mentioned on the voter ID or EPIC card and add the state’s name.

The system will display your constituency and polling station. Also, do not forget to carry your voter IDs along at the booth.

Know your candidate

Ideally, a first time voter should understand which Lok Sabha constituency they belong to and who are the area candidates.

A background check including the qualifications, criminal record, and their take on various issues that matter to you, will let you form your decision better. 

To know about your constituency’s candidates, visit MyNeta website, an open data repository platform run by Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) which aims to empower Indian voters with election-related information.

Also read: Criminal cases against 252 candidates of first phase elections: ADR report

Beware of gimmicks

If you are voting for the first-time, beware of dummy candidates, an old-school-gimmick of political parties where parties employ namesakes of candidates to split their opponent’s vote.

These candidates never campaign or have the necessary qualifications, and they are there just to manipulate the outcomes rather than genuinely participate in the democratic process.

How to cast a vote?

• As you enter your centre, a polling official will check your ID proof to verify your name on the voter’s list.
• Next, you will enter the booth, where you will get your finger inked and receive a slip.
• You will then need to sign the register. Check your details. 
• Submit the slip to another polling official and show them your inked finger. You will then be guided to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) which usually is placed within a tiny private kiosk. 
• Nobody can see/influence your vote. It is private. Nobody has the right to ask who you will vote for or who you voted for. 
• No names will be written on the EVM, only the party symbols will reflect on the EVM so ensure that you remember the candidate by the symbol. 
• Press the blue button in front of the party symbol that you want to vote for.

• Once you press the button, the red light will turn on, followed by a beep sound. Wait till then. 
• You will be able to see your candidate’s name and the vote you cast in the sealed Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) machine beside the EVM. After seven seconds, the slip in the VVPAT will drop, which means your vote has been registered.

If you find none of the candidates eligible for your vote, you can also choose None of the above (NOTA) in the EVM. This is usually found at the very bottom of the EVM. 

Election manifesto

One of the most important things to research before you vote - apart from your constituency’s candidate - is the election manifesto of the parties.

An election manifesto is a document released by the parties, consisting of their aims and policies, if they were to come into rule. Simply put, their ‘promises’, once they win. 

By understanding the party manifesto, you can decide if any party is dedicated more towards the issues more pertinent or important for you, helping you decide who to choose.

Voting Wisely

In many ways, voting in a democracy is not only a fundamental right but a privilege and responsibility to decide what shapes our country next. But as we know, ‘with great power comes great responsibility’, turning the activity of voting into an extremely cautious affair that can affect the future of you and the people around you.

Once the initial jitters go away, the inked fingers make you realise the power you hold in your hands. It’s on you to take responsibility and do it right.

Every vote counts.

Also read:

Postal ballots, voter awareness among preparations before LS polls in Gujarat