Google doodle marks start of voting in 2019 Lok Sabha election

Google marked the start of voting in the 2019 Lok Sabha election with a doodle encouraging people to cast their ballot. The doodle shows an inked finger; clicking it takes users to a page explaining how to vote and what happens at a polling booth, with information aimed especially at first-time voters.

What the guide covers

The page explains how and where to vote, how to use an electronic voting machine (EVM) and the procedure inside the polling booth. It notes that a person can vote only if their name is on the voter list, also known as the electoral roll. It also sets out the steps of casting a vote.

• Voters can find their polling booth through the electoral search website or the Voter Helpline App.
• They can also call the voter helpline on 1950, or send an SMS to 1950 to find their polling station.
• Mobile phones, cameras and other gadgets are not allowed inside the polling booth.
• Accepted identity documents include the voter ID card, passport, driving licence, PAN card, Aadhaar card and photo passbooks issued by a bank or post office, among others.

The election schedule

The seven polling dates for the Lok Sabha are:

• First phase: April 11
• Second phase: April 18
• Third phase: April 23
• Fourth phase: April 29
• Fifth phase: May 6
• Sixth phase: May 12
• Seventh phase: May 19

Votes will be counted on May 23, with results declared the same day. Assembly elections in Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Odisha and Sikkim are being held alongside the Lok Sabha polls.

What happened next

When votes were counted on 23 May 2019, the BJP won 303 of 543 seats and the Congress 52. Narendra Modi was sworn in for a second term on 30 May 2019.

See also: elections in India

Originally published on 11 April 2019. Rewritten on 9 October 2026.

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