Lok Sabha Elections 2024: NRI's Voting Rights In India

Living outside of India? In 2024, do you want to elect your government? This is all the information you require to register as an Indian voter if you are an NRI.

[{"selector":"#anim-726e1164-1aae-4096-8f18-ceca622ca4a2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-10.40685339586441%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-fc4bbde0-1b82-4351-92d9-40d7c4b09c2c","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}]

Indians living abroad or non-residents of India (NRI) can indeed register to vote in India. They have to register with the Indian Election Commission first.

[{"selector":"#anim-89e40962-c79e-4016-aa53-5f396343db76","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-861d74b8-bfce-4128-a9f2-2b5867bce99d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

The minimum age requirement for eligibility is 18 years old, and obtaining foreign citizenship is not permitted. Online registration is available via the Election Commission's official website.

[{"selector":"#anim-1ee0cb02-5074-4acd-8753-4c28247f2bf1","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-209aa312-ce42-4ca5-bd73-aa972a656d75 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-40.026324592544825%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

What election voting options are available to NRIs?

[{"selector":"#anim-b5786e3e-142b-4213-b914-9e48d6338a3f","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d320c033-4e0b-4625-ba40-c32de5c04fb0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-25.229779261459974%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

[{"selector":"#anim-0ac26031-b689-4a63-8a93-bb86f5c852bf","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-3859361f-d328-4d65-a929-78472f71f1b4 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.542968671915446%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Voting in person at polling places If NRIs are in India, they can register using Form 6A and cast their ballot at the appropriate polling places. Both their passports and voter ID cards must be carried.

Proxy voting NRIs have the option to designate a family member in India to vote on their behalf.

[{"selector":"#anim-85f6be76-974b-4b13-ae7b-a839dd17cbec","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d9c1ae30-1f63-43d0-906f-64730f04b41d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-30.429687381248105%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}]

[{"selector":"#anim-0f8283d3-0b82-419b-8932-49f8a2eca4c3","keyframes":{"opacity":[0,1]},"delay":0,"duration":600,"easing":"cubic-bezier(0.4, 0.4, 0.0, 1)","fill":"both"}] [{"selector":"#anim-d3c0bb8b-83b9-47c2-94ca-068c0876ef66 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-35.2812499106872%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Remote voting via electronic balloting: Through a secure online gateway, the government is developing a project for electronic postal ballots. Once it's in place, NRIs will be able to vote virtually, just like they would at the annual general meeting.