Now you can register for a voter ID if you are 17 years old; Check here for more information

The Election Commission of India (ECI) stated on Thursday that young people above the age of 17 no longer have to wait until they turn 18 to apply for a voter card; they can now apply ahead of time. The Commission announced the new model today, stating that the country's youth will now have four opportunities to join the voter list each year.

The ECI, led by Chief Election Commissioner Shri Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Shri Anup Chandra Pandey, has directed officials in all states to "work out tech-enabled solutions so that the youth" who have reached the age of 17 are able to file advance applications to obtain voter cards as soon as they turn 18.

Apart from January 1, ECI has announced three other qualifying dates: April 1, July 1, and October 1. The electoral roll will now be updated every three months, and eligible youngsters can register in the qualifying quarter in which they reach the age of 18. Following the preparatory procedures, the applicants will be issued an electoral photo identity card (EPIC).

The Commission has also improved and simplified the registration forms, which will go into effect on August 1, 2022.

The new voter card registration technique will also be available for the current round of yearly electoral roll revisions in 2023. However, the revised advance application forms will not be accessible until August 1.

Here's what you need to know if you're over the age of 18 and want to get a voter ID:

Download the Election Commission of India's Voter Helpline App from the Playstore/iOS.

On the display page, click on the easily accessible 'voter registration' link and then choose the second option from the list that says 'New Voter Registration' (Form 6).

1. Once you select the new registration option, you will be asked to communicate with Voter Mitra - a personal digital assistant, who will guide you through the process.

2. Next, register your mobile number. Once done, click on ‘Yes, applying for the first time.’

3. Fill out necessary information like state, assembly constituency, date of birth, and a relevant birth proof document to proceed.

4. At the bottom of the page, you will need to download an attached ‘age declaration form’ .

5. Upload a picture of yourself, stating your gender, name and other personal particulars.

6. You will next be prompted to provide the information for an immediate family member who lives with you.

7. To complete the stage, provide your address and village, post office, pin code data, district, constituency, and attach an address proof.

8. Finally, at the final stage, approve the declaration and submit it.