Empowering NRIs: The impending assembly elections in Rajasthan and Telangana, followed by the Lok Sabha elections in 2024, underscore the significance of understanding the voter registration process for non-resident Indians (NRIs) keen on participating in India’s democratic proceedings.
Empowering NRIs to Vote
The Election Commission of India, guided by Section 20A of the Representation of People Act, 1950, as amended by the Representation of the People (Amendment) Act, 2010, affirms the eligibility of NRIs to enrol as voters in India.
As outlined by the Election Commission, NRIs find their place in a distinct section labelled “Overseas Electors” within the electoral roll. Positioned at the end of the roll in the specific part or polling station area of the constituency where their Indian residence, as per the passport, is situated, this provision ensures their representation.
The process for NRIs to register involves the completion of Form 6A, a formal application submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer of the relevant constituency. This application must be filed within the constituency where the applicant’s ordinary residence in India, as indicated in their passport, is located, as elucidated by the Election Commission.
Once successfully enrolled, an NRI elector gains the privilege to cast their vote in person during elections at the designated polling station in the constituency where they are registered as an overseas elector. It is imperative for the NRI voter to carry their original passport as identification when exercising this electoral right.
Also Read: NRI and Walker Attacked: Violent Rottweiler Encounter