Empowering Democracy: A Step-by-Step Guide to Casting Your Vote Effectively

As the democratic process unfolds, it is crucial to be well-prepared when stepping into the voting booth.

6 May 2024

By Payoshi Bisht

• Approach the booth and prepare to exercise your democratic right. 
• Check your name from the register and sign in front of it to confirm your presence.
• Ensure your finger is marked with indelible ink to prevent multiple voting attempts.
• Confirm that the booth unit is turned on. If not, promptly notify the presiding officer.
• Wait for the official to activate the voting machine. Upon entering the booth unit area, check for the green light to ensure functionality.
• Press the blue button opposite the name/symbol of your chosen candidate. A red light will flash to confirm your selection.
• Review the symbol of the party/candidate on the screen to ensure accuracy.
• Wait for your ballot paper to be printed by the VVPAT printer. Check if the serial number/name/symbol matches your chosen candidate.
• Verify that the printed ballot accurately reflects your candidate’s choice within the allotted 7 seconds.
• If any discrepancy arises, remain in the booth and promptly report the issue. You will be provided with form 17 (c) to sign, followed by further action.
• Once satisfied with your selection, deposit the printed ballot into the VVPAT (Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail) drop box. A beep will confirm the completion of the voting process. 

If you don’t have an Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), also known as a voter ID card, there are still alternative methods available to cast your vote : 

1. Passport
2. Driving licence
3. Service identity card of the state government or the central government
4. PAN card
5. Aadhar card
6. Passbook with photograph issued by bank or post office
7. MGNREGA job card
8. Smart card issued by RGI under NPR
9. Health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
10. Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, ets.
11. Pension documents with photograph
12. Address card with photo issued by Deptt. Of Posts, Govt. of India