Being an NRI (Non-Resident Indian) doesn't mean you have to miss out on your right to vote in India. The Indian government has made provisions for NRIs to register and vote in elections, allowing them to participate in the democratic process even when they're physically outside the country.
Who is an NRI Voter?
According to Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation, an NRI voter, also known as an overseas elector, is an Indian citizen who:
- Resides outside of India: This could be due to employment, education, or other reasons.
- Has not acquired citizenship of any other country: They must maintain their Indian citizenship.
- Is eligible to be registered as a voter based on their address in India: This is typically the address mentioned in their passport.
In essence, an NRI voter is an Indian citizen living abroad who retains the right to vote in Indian elections. However, it's important to note that currently, they can only vote in person at the polling station in the constituency where their Indian address is registered.
The Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation’s website mentions: “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.”
Why Vote As an NRI?
- Shape the future of India: Your vote has the power to influence policy decisions impacting not just your loved ones back home but the entire nation's trajectory.
- Stay connected to your roots: Voting is an act of civic engagement, strengthening your bond with your homeland and its democratic values.
- Empower your community: By encouraging other NRIs to register and vote, you can amplify the collective voice of the Indian diaspora on the global stage.
What is the Eligibility Criteria for an NRI Voter?
- You must be an Indian citizen above 18 years of age.
- They can register to vote in their constituency in India based on their passport address.
- Submit Form 6A to the registration officer.
- Form can be submitted online or through the postal system.
The Consulate General of India mentions: “Every Indian citizen staying in a foreign country, who has not acquired citizenship of a foreign country, and has completed 18 years as on 1stJanuary of the year, can make an application in Form 6A for being registered in the roll for the constituency pertaining to the locality in which his place of residence in India as mentioned in the passport is located. The application in Form 6A can be presented to the registration officer concerned.”
How to Access Form 6A?
You can access Form 6A through:
- Visit the website of Election Commission of India
- Click on “Register in Electoral Roll”
- Click on the form “New registration for overseas(NRI) electors”
- You can either download the form or fill it out online on the website.
What Documents Are Required To Be Enclosed With Form 6 A?
When submitting Form 6A for NRI voter registration, you'll need to enclose several documents for verification. Here's a breakdown:
- One recent passport-size coloured photograph, duly affixed in Form 6A: Ensure your full face is clearly visible with a light background (preferably white).
- Photocopies of relevant pages of your passport: This includes the pages containing your photo, address, signature, and the page with the valid visa endorsement (if applicable).
The FAQ section of the Consulate General of India mentions: “One recent passport size coloured photograph, Photocopy of relevant pages of the passport of the applicant containing his/her photograph and all other particulars and photocopy of the pages of passport containing the valid visa.”
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