What Are The Different Ways of Voting System In India?

Author: Associate Runa Jasia

A vote is a formal indication of choice between two or more candidates or courses of action, expressed typically through a ballot or a show of hands. There are different types of voting system in India.

Eligibility to cast a vote

·      The person must be a citizen of India.

·      Must be 18 years old or above

·      Name must be mentioned in the electoral roll of nearby polling field or respective area in India.

·      Must have a voter ID card.

·      NRIs are also allowed to vote, but there are some terms and conditions (through the proxy voting method they can give vote as according to the People Amendment Act 2010). People working outside India or residing outside of India can also give a vote.

TheElection Commission of India is responsible for administering the voting process in India.There are mainly 4 types of elections which occur in India. Voting is done by EVM (Electronic Voting Machines) in the electoral poll areas in the presence of poll officers. Before EVM, a vote was given through ballot boxes. But as time passed, the method has also changed and advanced. The EVM way is easier and more reliable as compared to the previous method. Any political party is not allowed to bring the candidates during this voting process. Everyone must give a vote and also encourage others to vote. From 7 AM to 6 PM voting can be done, although timings can vary based on the constituencies. From the year 1951, Lok Sabha elections started. During that year INC (Indian National Congress) won. The elections take place every 5 years. All the information regarding voting is mentioned in the official website https://eci.gov.in(website of the Election Commission of India) and in the website  https://www.nvsp.into fill the application form for registration of a new voter. In the polling spot, all the required information like Name, address, etc. is present.

For enrolment to a new fresh voter list, one needs a few documents like a PAN Card, Ration card, Voter ID, Indian passport, etc. The voter can be disqualified from giving vote under certain circumstances and a person can only vote once during an election. There are various voting rights given to every citizen of India like NOTA, Right to Know etc.

In Right to Know voters have the right to know about the candidate whom they are voting for.

In NOTA (None of the above) vote also known as Right Not to Vote, the voter votes for nobody. They take part in the elections but do not vote for any candidate or for any political parties. 

People who have not registered themselves to vote will not be eligible to vote even if they have their voter ID cards. Electronic devices like mobile phones, laptops, etc. are not allowed inside the polling station and in case of a missing name from the voter list then that person is not eligible to cast a vote.

Methods of Voting in India

There are various voting methods in India Citizens of India can apply, as prescribed in the Form-6, before the Electoral Registration Officer. This application can be filled online also, and even Indians living overseas can also fill this form. Relevant documents and photographs are required to fill this application form. It can also be sent by post to the Booth officer or the polling level officer.

Cannot vote online

Even though there are types of voting in India There is no option for any voter to vote online as one has to be present in the station physically to vote. There are no other ways to do it offline as well. In a few countries, there are some ways to cast a vote online for working people or people who cannot go to vote. Even one vote matters, it can defeat a candidate or can make them win.

Polling Booth/Area:

Every citizen whose name is on the voting list can vote. They must be present with their Voter ID Card.

The Polling Officer marks the voter’s left forefinger with indelible ink and thumb impression is given for record. Another Booth/Polling Officer gives the voter's their slip. Ballot button is pressed (red and blue button exists in the EVM). If somebody does not want to vote for any of the political candidates they can press NOTA (None of the above) option it is one of the voting methods in India.

Vote through Postal Ballot

One method of voting in India should be adopted i.e  In sporadic and special cases, people can vote by post. This process is known as the Postal Ballot. People who are living overseas or due to certain reasons can go for this option. In many cases, army people are given this privilege and people live overseas. However, this is not yet a system in India or for Indians living overseas.