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The NRI voter ID card is an identification card that allows non-resident Indians to vote in Indian elections while residing overseas.
Are you an Indian citizen living abroad? Do you want to exercise your right to vote in the upcoming elections? If yes, you need to apply for an NRI Voter ID card, a special type of voter ID card issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) for overseas electors.
This article will inform you everything you need to know about the NRI Voter ID card, including its eligibility, benefits, documents required, and how to apply for it online.
What is an NRI Voter ID Card?
NRI's full form is Non-Resident Indian. An NRI Voter ID card is a document that proves your identity as an Indian citizen and allows you to vote in the elections held in India. It is also known as Form 6A or Overseas Elector's Card. It differs from the regular voter ID card (Form 6) issued to the general electors residing in India.
NRI Voter ID Card Eligibility Criteria
You can enjoy NRI voting rights or get an NRI Voter ID card if you meet the following criteria:
- You must be at least 18 years old.
- You are a citizen of India and have not acquired citizenship in any other country.
- You are absent from India for employment, education, or other reasons.
- You are otherwise eligible to be registered as a voter at the address mentioned in your passport.
Note: You cannot enrol as an NRI voter if employed by the Government of India or any state government in a foreign country.
What are the Benefits of an NRI Voter ID card?
An NRI Voter ID card has several benefits, such as:
- It enables you to participate in the democratic process of India and express your opinion through voting.
- It works as a valid proof of identity and address for different purposes, such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, etc.
- It helps you avoid any hassles or delays at the polling stations, as you can show your NRI Voter ID card and passport to cast your vote.
Documents Required for Voter ID Card for NRI
If you are a non-resident Indian (NRI) and you want to apply for a voter ID card, you need to have the following documents:
- A completed Form 6A, which is the application form for the inclusion of your name in the electoral roll.
- A recent passport-size photograph of yourself.
- You will need a self-attested copy of your valid Indian passport. It must show your personal details and visa endorsement.
- Any other document that may be required by the electoral registration officer (ERO) of your constituency in India, such as proof of address or age.
How to Apply for an NRI Voter ID Card?
The easiest and fastest way to apply for an NRI Voter ID card is online.
- Visit the National Voters' Service Portal and click "enrol as an NRI voter."
- Download and fill up Form 6A, which is the application form for overseas electors. Provide details such as your name, address, passport number, and visa details.
- Attach a copy of your passport and visa as proof of your identity and overseas residence. If available, you can also attach a copy of your address proof in India.
- Dispatch the form online or via post to the electoral registration officer (ERO) of your constituency in India. You can find the contact details of the ERO on the Election Commission of India website.
- After your application undergoes verification and approval, you will become a registered overseas voter and receive a voter ID card via mail or email. You can also monitor your application's status on the portal.
Alternatively, you can also apply offline by visiting the nearest Indian embassy or consulate in your country.
How to Vote with an NRI Voter ID Card?
Let us now learn about the NRI voting in India. As an NRI, you can vote in Indian elections abroad through proxy and e-postal ballots. Here is how online voting for NRI works:
- Proxy ballot: This method allows you to appoint a person in India as your proxy to vote on your behalf. The proxy must be a registered voter in the same constituency as you. You need to complete Form 13A and get it attested by an officer appointed by the diplomatic representative of India in your country of residence.
Next, submit a copy of your passport and visa along with the form. Once your application is approved, your proxy will receive a letter from the Election Commission of India (ECI) authorising him or her to vote for you. - E-postal ballot: This method allows you to get the ballot paper via the electronic medium and send it back by post. You must register as an overseas voter on the ECI website or at the local Indian embassy or consulate. Indicate your preference to vote by e-postal ballot by filling out Form 12 within five days of the election notification.
Following application verification, you will receive an email from the ECI with a link to download the ballot paper. Print it out, mark your choice, and sign a declaration form. Then, you need to send the ballot paper and the declaration form by post to the returning officer of your constituency before the counting begins.
Conclusion
An NRI Voter ID card is a valuable document that allows you to exercise your democratic rights as an Indian citizen living abroad. Applying for and obtaining an NRI Voter ID card online or offline is easy. It also offers you various benefits and options to vote in the elections held in India. If you are an eligible NRI, you should not miss this opportunity and apply for an NRI Voter ID card today. Remember, your vote matters and can make a difference.
