Lok Sabha elections 2024 | FAQs: How to vote if you are an NRI?

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has kick-started the race for the 18th Lok Sabha after announcing the schedule on March 16. According to the poll body's announcement, the elections will unfold in seven phases, commencing on April 19 and concluding on June 1. 

Announcing the poll dates on March 16, the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Rajiv Kumar had said there are 97.8 crore eligible voters of which 49.72 crore were male voters and 47.1 crore were female voters and urged voters to get inked. 

Apart from citizens residing in India, the Indian government has also urged all non-residents of India (NRI) to cast their vote.

In a post on X, the Press Information Bureau wrote: "Calling all NRI voters to cast their vote this Lok Sabha Elections" and shared a step by step guide to inform how NRI voters can participate in the general elections."

So, who are the NRI voters and how to enroll yourself as an overseas voter? Here everything you need to know about the process of NRI voting.

Who is an NRI voter or an overseas voter?

According to the Election Commission, a citizen of India, who is absent from the country owing to employment, education etc, and has not acquired citizenship of any other country are known as Overseas Voters and are eligible to be registered as a voter in the address mentioned in their Indian passport.

How to enroll yourself as an NRI voter?

To get enrolled as an NRI Voter, the NRI needs to fill out Form 6A online at the voter portal i.e https://voters.eci.gov.in/ and upload the relevant documents.

There is also another way to enroll yourself. The NRI Voter can also download the Form 6A from the ECI website. Forms are also available free of cost in Indian Missions.

What documents are required?

As per ECI website, one recent passport size coloured photograph affixed in Form 6A. Self attested photocopies of the relevant pages of the passport containing photograph, address in India and all other, and the page of passport containing the valid visa endorsement. 

What happens after document submission?

After the documents are submitted, a booth-level officer visits the home address mentioned in the passport for the verification process. In case of declaration for verification, it is sent to the concerned Indian Mission. 

The Electoral Registration officer, then, communicate their decision to the NRI voter by post and through SMS. Additionally, electoral rolls are also available on the ECI website under the “Overseas Electors” section.

How NRIs can cast their vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections?

The NRI voter is not issued an EPIC card, and is allowed to vote in person at the polling station after presenting the original passport.