Those above 17 can apply for voter registration; electoral rolls to be updated every quarter

NEW DELHI: From now on, those who have turned 17 need not wait to turn 18 to apply for voter registration. They can apply in advance for getting enrolled in the voter's list. The decision of the Central Election Commission comes as part of the amendment of the law to update the voter's list four times a year. It will come into effect in 2023.

Till recently, only those turning 18 on or before January 1 of a particular year were eligible to apply for voter registration. Those turning 18 after January 1 had to wait for one whole year to register as voters. With the change in law, people can enrol themselves on January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1. In the meantime, 17-year-olds can also apply for getting enrolled in the voter's list. Their names will appear on the list after they turn 18. The Central Commission has issued instructions to the Chief Electoral Officers of the states in this regard. The final voter's list, which gets updated four times a year by adding names, will be prepared before January 25, National Voter's Day. Identity cards for new voters will be distributed at a special function on Voter's Day.

Aadhaar-Voter Card Linking

The process of linking the voter ID card with the Aadhaar card will begin on August 1 to prevent duplication and fraud in the voter's list. This is to ensure that the information on the list is authentic. The Election Commission has prepared a special Form 6-B for this purpose. However, no application for inclusion of name in electoral roll shall be denied and no entries in electoral roll shall be deleted for the inability of an individual to furnish or intimate Aadhaar Number.

Other important changes

• The process to correct photos, and address duplication and other errors in the current electoral roll will begin in November.
• Arrangements will be made in such a way that family members and neighbours living in an area will be able to cast votes in a single booth.
• The simplified registration forms will be available from August 1