• Source:JND
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The Election Commission has issued a clarion call to crores of Indians to participate in the world's biggest democratic exercise. About 96.8 crore voters will exercise their voting rights in seven different phases starting from April 19 to elect 543 members of the 18th Lok Sabha. The act of voting is celebrated as a festival of democracy and the Election Commission’s appeal serves as a reminder of the civic duty each citizen holds.

Eligible voters are requested to check their names in the voter list, get appropriate identification proof with them to polling stations and exercise their right to vote. Here are some of the important things voters must know before visiting polling stations to cast their votes ahead of Lok Sabha elections 2024: 

Eligibility and Identification 

To cast a ballot, one’s name must be present on the voter list. In the absence of a voter identity card, alternative photo identification documents are acceptable. These include passports, driving licenses, service identity cards issued by government entities, passbooks with photographs from banks or post offices, PAN cards, smart cards from the Ministry of Labor, MNREGA job cards, health insurance smart cards under the Labor Ministry’s scheme, pension documents with photographs and Aadhaar cards.

Restrictions On Voting 

It is crucial to note that possessing an Aadhaar card, voter card or any other identity card does not entitle one to vote unless their name is registered on the voter list. Voters with names omitted from the list will be denied the opportunity to vote at the polling station.

Voter List Verification 

Voters are encouraged to confirm their registration on the voter list before reaching polling stations, which is a prerequisite for voting. The Election Commission’s website hosts assembly-wise voter lists for public access, where they can check their names on the list.

Additionally, the helpline number 1950 is available for voter assistance, where citizens can call on the toll-free in English or Hindi with any query or complaint at any time of the day.