Synopsis : Learn about the process of enrolling as an Overseas/NRI Elector, including filling out Form 6A, submitting necessary documents, and undergoing verification. Discover how to vote as an overseas elector and what to do in case of a change of address.
Overseas/NRI Electors, also known as Overseas Voters, are Indian citizens residing abroad due to employment, education, or other reasons, who have not acquired citizenship of any other country. This article outlines the steps for enrolling as an Overseas/NRI Elector, voting, and managing changes in address.
Enrollment Process:
To enroll as an Overseas/NRI Elector, individuals must fill out Form 6A either online on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website or download it from the ECI website or Indian Missions abroad. Along with the form, applicants need to submit a recent passport-size photograph and self-attested photocopies of relevant passport pages containing the photograph, Indian address, and valid visa endorsement.
The completed Form 6A and documents can be submitted in person or by post. If submitted by post, each document copy should be duly self-attested. Alternatively, applicants can fill the form in person at the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO of their constituency. In such cases, the original passport must be produced for verification.
Verification Process:
After form submission, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) visits the address mentioned in the passport to verify the documents. In cases where no relative is available for verification, the documents are sent to the concerned Indian Mission. The decision of the ERO is communicated to the applicant by post and SMS, and the name of the overseas elector is included in a separate section of the electoral roll.
Voting Process:
Overseas electors are not issued an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) and can vote in person at the polling station by presenting their original passport.
Address Change:
In case of a change of address within the same constituency or in a different constituency, individuals need to fill out Form 8 and submit it to the ERO of the new residence area. While it is not necessary to change the address in the old EPIC, individuals can do so by submitting an application and paying a fee to the Electoral Registration Officer of the new constituency.
Points to Remember:
- No individual can be enrolled on more than one electoral roll.
- If registered as a general voter, individuals should surrender their EPIC when enrolling as an Overseas/NRI Elector.
- Upon returning to India, individuals can register as general electors at their place of ordinary residence.
- Each individual has only one vote and should not vote for more than one candidate.
Conclusion:
Enrolling as an Overseas/NRI Elector allows Indian citizens residing abroad to exercise their voting rights. By following the enrollment process, verifying documents, and understanding voting procedures, overseas electors can actively participate in India's democratic process, ensuring their voices are heard.
Related Questions
1. Who are Overseas/NRI Electors?
Overseas/NRI Electors are Indian citizens residing abroad due to employment, education, or other reasons, who have not acquired citizenship of any other country.
2. How can I enroll as an Overseas/NRI Elector?
To enroll, you need to fill out Form 6A online on the Election Commission of India (ECI) website or download it from the ECI website or Indian Missions abroad. Submit the form along with necessary documents such as a recent passport-size photograph and self-attested photocopies of relevant passport pages.
3. What documents are required for enrollment?
You need to submit a recent passport-size photograph and self-attested photocopies of passport pages containing your photograph, Indian address, and valid visa endorsement.
4. Can I submit the enrollment form by post?
Yes, you can submit the form by post. Ensure that each document copy is duly self-attested. Alternatively, you can fill the form in person at the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant ERO of your constituency, where the original passport must be produced for verification.
5. How is the verification process conducted?
The Booth Level Officer (BLO) visits the address mentioned in your passport to verify the documents. If no relative is available for verification, the documents are sent to the concerned Indian Mission.
6. How can I vote as an Overseas Elector?
Overseas electors can vote in person at the polling station by presenting their original passport. They are not issued an Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC).
7. What should I do in case of a change of address?
If you change your address within the same constituency or to a different constituency, fill out Form 8 and submit it to the ERO of the new residence area. Changing the address in the old EPIC is optional but can be done by submitting an application and paying a fee to the Electoral Registration Officer of the new constituency.
