Your Democracy, Your Vote
Understand how Indian democracy works, know your rights as a citizen, and walk into the polling booth with confidence.
India's Federal Structure
India is a federal republic with three tiers of elected government.
Union (Central) Government
The Parliament of India sits in New Delhi. It consists of the Lok Sabha (House of the People, 543 seats, directly elected) and the Rajya Sabha (Council of States, 245 seats, elected by state legislators). The Prime Minister leads the Union Cabinet. Union elections are held every 5 years.
State Government - Kerala Niyamasabha
Kerala has a unicameral legislature (Niyamasabha) with 140 seats. Each seat represents a constituency, elected using First Past the Post (FPTP) voting - the candidate with the most votes wins, even without an absolute majority. The Chief Minister leads the State Cabinet.
Local Self-Government
Kerala has a robust three-tier local self-government system introduced by the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act, 1994. It covers gram panchayats, block panchayats, and district panchayats in rural areas, and municipalities and corporations in urban areas.
How an Election Works
From announcement to result - the key steps in a Kerala Assembly election.
Announcement
The Election Commission of India announces the election schedule - including polling dates, nomination deadlines, and the model code of conduct commencement. All government policy announcements are frozen from this point.
Nominations
Candidates file nomination papers with the Returning Officer of their constituency. Each candidate must deposit ₹10,000 (₹5,000 for SC/ST candidates) as security. Candidate affidavits (Form 26) disclosing assets, liabilities, and criminal records are made public.
Campaigning
Parties and candidates campaign within the model code of conduct. Campaigning must stop 48 hours before polling begins. Expenditure limits apply - ₹28 lakh per Assembly constituency candidate.
Polling Day
Voters cast secret ballots at assigned polling stations using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Polling is conducted by government officials under the supervision of the Election Commission. Your EPIC card or 11 alternative IDs are valid for identification.
Counting & Results
Votes are counted at a central counting hall. The candidate with the most votes (FPTP) wins. Results are typically declared the same day as counting. Defeated candidates with less than 1/6th of total votes forfeit their security deposit.
Citizen Rights in Democracy
The Indian Constitution and electoral laws give you powerful rights as a citizen and voter.
Right to Vote (Article 326)
Every Indian citizen aged 18 or above who is registered on the electoral roll has the right to vote in elections to the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and local bodies. This right cannot be denied on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth. Register at voters.eci.gov.in or use the Voter Helpline app.
Right to Contest Elections
Any Indian citizen aged 25+ (Lok Sabha / State Assembly) or 30+ (Rajya Sabha) can contest elections. The candidate must be registered as a voter and must not hold a disqualifying office of profit. This right ensures democracy remains truly participatory beyond just voting.
Right to Information (RTI Act, 2005)
You can file RTI applications to access information held by any public authority - including government departments, local bodies, and publicly funded institutions. Responses must be provided within 30 days. This is a powerful tool to demand accountability from elected representatives.
Right to NOTA (None Of The Above)
Since 2013, Indian voters have the right to press the NOTA button on the EVM if they do not wish to vote for any candidate. NOTA counts as a rejected vote and does not affect the result - but it signals to parties that voters are dissatisfied with the available choices.
Right to Know Your Candidate (Form 26)
All candidates must file a sworn affidavit (Form 26) disclosing their criminal records (if any), educational qualifications, and details of assets & liabilities. These are publicly available on the Election Commission's website before polling day. Use them to make an informed choice.
Freedom to Campaign
Citizens have the right to campaign for candidates and parties of their choice, display election symbols, organise rallies, and distribute literature - subject to the model code of conduct. Campaigning must stop 48 hours before polling in a constituency.
Useful Contacts & Resources
Voter Dos
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Register earlyCheck your name on the electoral roll at voters.eci.gov.in. Do this well before election season - deadlines apply.
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Verify your EPIC cardCheck your Electors Photo Identity Card for accuracy. Update your address if you have moved.
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Know your polling stationFind your assigned booth at ceo.kerala.gov.in or by calling 1950 before polling day.
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Carry valid IDEPIC card is preferred but 11 alternative IDs including Aadhaar, passport, and driving licence are accepted.
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Vote your conscienceResearch candidates using their Form 26 affidavits. Vote based on issues, not on pressure or inducement.
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Report malpracticeUse cVigil to report vote buying, booth capturing, or model code violations with evidence.
Voter Don'ts
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No vote buyingAccepting money or gifts for your vote is an offence under Section 171B IPC, punishable with up to one year imprisonment - for both giver and receiver.
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No booth photographyTaking a photo or video inside the polling booth or of your marked ballot is a violation of secret ballot rules and is illegal.
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No impersonationVoting in someone else's name is a criminal offence under Section 171D IPC with up to one year imprisonment.
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No alcohol near boothsCarrying or consuming alcohol within 200 metres of a polling station on polling day is prohibited.
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No weaponsCarrying weapons of any kind near a polling station or counting centre is strictly prohibited.
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No misinformationSpreading false election information, fake EVMs reports, or manipulated results is an offence. Verify before sharing.
Polling Day Checklist
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