Can you register as a voter only once a year?

Since 1 August 2022 there have been four qualifying dates a year: 1 January, 1 April, 1 July and 1 October. The change came from the Election Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021, which amended section 14(b). Young people can apply in advance for a later date instead of waiting for the next January.

Exceptions and limits

The annual summary revision still uses 1 January as its reference date. The four dates apply to Assembly and Lok Sabha rolls; Graduates' and Teachers' constituencies use 1 November.

Sources

• Representation of the People Act, 1950, section 14(b) (Manual of Election Law, Vol I)
• Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, rule 26(1A) (Manual of Election Law, Vol II)
• Press Information Bureau, 28 July 2022: more opportunities for youth to join the voters list

Related: First-time voter guide: registering at 18

This is a commonly repeated belief, and we are not attributing it to any person or party. Written by the India Vote Kar editorial team and checked on 31 October 2026. India Vote Kar also sells election software and campaign services; see how we check. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections policy.