The 2019 Lok Sabha Elections begin today. Learn everything in this easy-to-understand guide!

Opened Google today and saw the finger? Oh, don’t get us wrong, we love how Google took a step higher to encourage Netizens to go out and vote! The doodle features right hand marked with the electoral ink on the index finger. India gears up for the 17th Lok Sabha election, Google has taken a step forward in encouraging the responsible citizen of the country with a simple doodle.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, took to Twitter this morning and urged the younger crowd and first-time voters use their right to vote. Take a look here.

Quick key points about Lok Sabha 2019 elections

1. The 2019 general elections begin today and will go on till May 19.
2. Around 8,40,00,000 first-time voters are eligible to cast their vote as national elections begin in the world’s largest democracy today.
3. In the first phase, 18 states and two union territories are voting and simultaneous assembly polls are being held in four states- Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
4. The polls will be held in seven phases that will cover all the 543 constituencies.
5. The Election Commission will count the votes on May 23, and announce the result the very same day.

Everything you need to know about How to Vote!

Please note that you can vote only if your name appears in the Voter List or the Electoral Roll. Voters can also find information on Polling Booths, Contesting candidates, Election Dates & Timings, Identity cards and EVM.

Voting Process at Polling Booth

This simple 6 step process will take you through how you can easily cast your vote.

1. The First polling official will check your name on the voter list and check your ID proof
2. The Second polling official will ink your finger, give you a slip and take your signature on a register (Form 17A)
3. You will have to deposit the slip at the third polling official and show your inked finger and then proceed to the polling booth
4. Record your vote by pressing the ballot button opposite the symbol of the candidate of your choice on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM); You will hear a beep sound
5. Check the slip that appears in the transparent window of the VVPAT machine. The slip with the Candidate serial No., Name and Symbol shall be visible for 7 seconds before it drops in the sealed VVPAT box
6. You can press NOTA, None of the Above, if you don’t like any candidate; it’s the last button on the EVM

For more information, please see the Voter Guide here.

Mobile phones, cameras or any other gadget is not allowed inside a polling booth.

How to verify your name in the Voter List / Electoral Roll

Log on to www.electoralsearch.in

OR

Call the Voter Helpline 1950 (please add your STD code before dialling)

OR

SMS <ECI> space <EPIC No> to 1950 (EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card also commonly known as Voter ID card). Example – If your EPIC is 12345678 then sms ECI 12345678 to 1950

OR

Download Voter Helpline App

How to check your name in the Voter List?

Voters can visit Candidate Affidavit Portal (click here) or download the Voter Helpline App (click here) to see the list of candidates. Please note this data is updated as affidavits are filed by candidates.

How to find a Polling booth near you?

1. Voters can go to electoralsearch.in or use Voter Helpline App to find their polling booth
2. Voters can call the Voter Helpline, the number is 1950 (please add your STD code before dialling)
3. For Polling station location SMS <ECIPS> space <EPIC No> to 1950

Which Identity Cards will you need?

You can carry any of the following original ID cards for polling, a ‘Voter ID’ card is not compulsory:

1. EPIC (Voter ID card)
2. Passport
3. Driving License
4. Service Identity Cards with photograph issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies
5. Passbooks with photograph issued by Bank/Post Office
6. PAN Card
7. Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
8. MNREGA Job Card (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee)
9. Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
10. Pension document with photograph
11. Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
12. Aadhaar Card

How to use the voting machine?

EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine and VVPAT stands for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT). You can watch this simple video to understand the working of VVPAT.

When is the Election (Election dates)?

Lok Sabha elections are scheduled from 11 Apr – 23 May, 2019. Please visit electoralsearch.in to check your exact date.

Phase 1 – 11th Apr

Phase 2 – 18th April

Phase 3 – 23rd April

Phase 4 – 29th April

Phase 5 – 6th May

Phase 6 – 12th May

Phase 7 – 19th May

Election results will be announced on 23rd May. Please note Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Orissa and Sikkim Vidhan Sabha elections will be held in parallel to Lok Sabha Elections, you can check eci.gov.in for more information.

Indore HD urges all of you to exercise your right to vote and make an informed choice when you go out to vote.

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