Delhi Assembly Elections: A step-by-step guide on how to cast your vote

Delhi Assembly Elections: Delhi goes to the polls today to elect its representatives for the 70-member legislative assembly. Voting begins at 7 AM, and the results will be announced on February 8.

The election is expected to be a three-way contest between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), and the Congress. AAP, under Arvind Kejriwal, has been in power for the past two terms, while Congress previously ruled Delhi for 15 years. The BJP has not held power in the city for over two decades.

With 1.56 crore registered voters and 13,766 polling stations across Delhi, citizens have a crucial role in shaping the city’s future. The voter base includes 83.76 lakh men, 72.36 lakh women, and 1,267 third-gender voters.

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Voting is a fundamental right, and being prepared can help ensure a smooth experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Check your voter registration

Ensure your name is on the electoral roll.

Those who turned 18 by January 1 are eligible to register.

Registration can be completed on the Election Commission of India’s official website.

Verify your name on the voter list

Visit the official voter search portal or use the Voter Helpline App to check if you’re listed.

Find your polling station

Use the Election Commission’s resources to locate your designated voting centre.

Carry a valid ID

Bring your Voter ID (EPIC) or any government-approved identification document.

What to expect at the polling booth

Verification process

A polling officer will check your name against the electoral roll and verify your ID.

Your left forefinger will be inked to prevent multiple voting.

Receive your voter slip

Following verification, you will be provided a slip confirming your eligibility to vote.

Cast your vote

Proceed to the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM).

Press the button corresponding to your preferred candidate.

A beep sound will confirm that your vote has been recorded.

VVPAT Verification

The Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) will briefly display your vote choice on a paper slip for confirmation.

This slip is automatically stored for future verification if needed.

How to download your voter slip online

To access your voter slip digitally, follow these steps:

Visit the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi website.

Click on ‘Search Your Name in Electoral Roll.’

Enter the required details and hit ‘Search.’

If your name appears, select ‘View Details.’

Download or print your voter slip.

Alternatively, you can use the Voter Helpline app to link your mobile number with your EPIC (Voter ID) number and access your details.

Accepted identification documents for voting

Voters can present any of the following ID proofs at the polling station:

Voter ID card (EPIC)

Aadhaar card

Passport

Driver’s license

Ration card

Bank passbook with a photograph

PAN card

Government-issued service ID

Understanding VVPAT and its role in elections

The Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) system ensures transparency in the voting process. After casting a vote on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM), the VVPAT generates a slip displaying the candidate’s name, party symbol, and serial number. This slip remains visible for seven seconds before being stored securely for audit purposes.

If a voter notices any discrepancy, they can report it to the presiding officer. In case of an issue, a test vote will be conducted, and if the error persists, voting may be halted in that booth.