The electoral roll, commonly known as the voter list, is a crucial document that determines eligible voters in the country. It contains names of all individuals registered as electors in a given constituency. The Election Commission of India (ECI) is responsible for registering voters and revising the voter lists ahead of state or national elections. Let us understand what the Voter ID List is, how it is prepared, what information it contains, and how one can check their name on it.
What is a Voter List?
The voter list, also called electoral roll, is an official register of voters in a particular constituency who are entitled to vote in elections. It contains details of every registered voter such as name, age, address, ID number and gender. Only those individuals named in the voter list are allowed to cast their vote in the polling station where they are registered. The electoral roll is prepared and updated by the Election Commission through a systematic process of enrolment and periodic revision.
How is the Voter List Prepared?
The voter list is prepared constituency-wise by going door-to-door to collect details and verifying the eligibility of all applicants. The steps are:
- The ECI issues a public notification inviting voter registration applications.
- Booth level officers (BLOs) visit every household in their designated area to collect application forms from eligible citizens.
- Applications are also collected through voter registration camps and online/offline modes directly by the ECI.
- The ECI verifies details provided in the forms against a set of documents prescribed for identity and address proof.
- Eligible applicants are added to the electoral roll of the polling station area covering their residential address.
- Ineligible or doubtful applications are rejected giving reasons and providing the opportunity to appeal.
- The draft voter list is published at the booth, ward, district levels for public feedback after which final list is prepared.
What Details Do Voter Lists Contain?
The electoral roll has the following key details about every registered voter:
- Name
- Age as of 1st January of that year
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Address
Along with this, it also contains:
- Part number – polling station jurisdiction area
- Elector photo identity card (EPIC) number
- Elector sequence number
Additional fields like relation name, contact number, disability status, service voter information may also be captured in some voter lists.
How to Check Your Name on Voter List?
You can check your name on the voter ID list through various means:
- Online search: Visit the official election commission website and search using details like name, age, state, district, assembly constituency etc. to find your name.
- Voter helpline mobile application: Search your name on the app using filters.
- ECI website/SMS: Search via website or send SMS in specified format to get registration status.
- Booth level officer: Contact the BLO appointed for the area where you reside and verify if your name exists in their voter list records.
- Physical voter list: Visit your designated polling station and check the latest printed electoral roll copy.
Conclusion
The voter ID list or electoral roll forms the basis for conducting smooth and transparent elections. Every citizen must ensure their name exists in the valid voter list of the constituency they reside in so they are able to exercise their valuable right to vote. With multiple options like online portals like Bhoomi Online, mobile apps, SMS services, physical voter slips available, checking your name on the voter list is quick and easy.
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