Heading to the Polls: A Comprehensive Guide to Lok Sabha Elections 2024
Credit : India Today News
19.04.2024 : Today marks the commencement of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, with the first phase encompassing 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories. Notable contenders include Union ministers Nitin Gadkari, Sarbanada Sonowal, and Bhupendra Yadav, as well as Gaurav Gogoi of Congress, DMK’s Kanimozhi, and K Annamalai of BJP.
The Election Commission has mobilized over 18 lakh polling personnel across 1.87 lakh polling stations, anticipating the participation of over 16.63 crore voters in this democratic exercise.
Who’s Voting Today?
Polling covers all seats in Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Mizoram, Nagaland, Puducherry, Sikkim, and Lakshadweep. Additionally, voting takes place in selected seats across Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Manipur, Tripura, Jammu and Kashmir, and Chhattisgarh.
How to Find Your Polling Booth
Discovering your polling booth is straightforward with the Election Commission’s website electoralsearch.eci.gov.in. Here are three methods you can use:
- **EPIC Number**: Input your Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) number along with your state and captcha on the website to find your polling booth details.
- **By Details**: Enter your name, relative’s name, date of birth, gender, and district as per your voter ID card to retrieve your polling booth information.
- **Via Mobile Number**: Enter your state and mobile number to receive an OTP for accessing your polling booth details on the website.
What’s My EPIC Number?
Your EPIC number is a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code issued by the Election Commission of India, displayed on the front of your Voter ID card. You can also find it on the National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP).
First-Time Voter Tips
For first-time voters, here are some essential pointers:
– Carry your voter slip, EPIC card, and an additional ID like Aadhar or a driving license.
– Verify the VVPAT machine output linked to the EVM after casting your vote.
– Ensure your name is on the voter lists.
– Maintain confidentiality regarding your vote choice.
As you participate in this democratic process, remember that every vote counts towards shaping the future of our nation.