Election 2019: Know Your Rights

A democracy finds its power in people; in their voices, their actions and their collective. A primary right vested in us is that of voting through which we are able to exercise our right of seating an eligible set of representatives on the powerful chairs of this country. If you are someone who has looked back at something and commented, “There has been no change”, remember you have a crucial responsibility to fulfil to begin the change.

Top three populous states of India: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar saw a voter turnout of 58, 60 and 56 percent as per ECI 2014 reports. Low voter turnouts invariably translate to unequal representation and conflict of interests. However, it is most important to know your rights as a voter. In this article, find information regarding some of your basic rights and be a well-informed voter.

Can you vote?
As per the Indian constitution, if you are 18 or above and a citizen of India, you are an eligible voter.

You can enrol yourself under the voting registry if you are 18 as of 1^st of January of the election year. You must register yourself to vote by processing an application (Form 6) before the Electoral Registration Officer. You can fill in this application online at www.eic.nic.in or https://www.nvsp.in/ .

Can you vote from anywhere?
Alas, no. The Election Commission (EC) registers your name as a voter in the constituency where you originally reside. It is from this location where you cast your vote. The EC needs to intimated in case of any permanent address change.

Do you need a Voter ID to vote?
Every individual on registration is given an identity card commonly called the Voter ID. This is used for photo identification. However, you CAN use other forms of government sanctioned identity proof such as PAN card, driving license, ration card and passport (if and only if your name is registered in the electoral roll).

If your name is not on the electoral roll, you will not be permitted to vote. You can check for your name by contacting the Electoral Registration Officer of your constituency. In some cities, this information is also available online.

What do you do if someone else has cast a vote in your name?
In this event you are still eligible to vote after furnishing sufficient proof. You will be given a tendered ballot paper by the officer in-charge. However, the vote will be considered only when there is a narrow margin between the candidates as deciding votes.

Want certain electoral grievances to be addressed but don’t know whom to approach?
The following officers in-charge can be approached to address any grievance you might have,
– Chief Electoral Officer (State Level)
– District Election Officer (District Level)
– Returning Officer (Constituency Level)
– Assistant Returning Officer (Taluka/ Tehsil Level)
– Presiding Officer (Polling Station)

How you do you become an informed voter?
Along with the several rights promised to you by the state, there are certain duties you perform to be a responsible citizen. As a rule, you have access to the following information about the candidates before voting,

a.Their criminal record
b.Assets and liabilities, along with their family records
c.Educational background
d.Nomination papers and affidavits
e.Dues to the government, and
f.Party manifestos
Apart from them, to be an informed voter, it is pivotal to follow the daily news especially leading up to the elections, take part in constructive debates and follow your constituency candidates. Make an informed decision keeping in mind the representative of your constituency.

Can you decide not to vote?
You can decide not to cast a vote; however, the polling booth officer must be informed. You can also decide to use NOTA, where you can cast a vote but not for any specific candidate, without rejecting the entire election process.

Your right to vote presents you with the first step for change. For all first-time voters out there, voting is much more than a selfie or an Instagram story. It ensures that the elected representative is truly representative.

Be informed, engage and exercise.