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2026
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Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part XV — Elections
Article326

Elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assemblies of States to be on the basis of adult suffrage

The elections to the House of the People and to the Legislative Assembly of every State shall be on the basis of adult suffrage; that is to say, every person who is a citizen of India and who is not less than eighteen years of age on such date as may be fixed in that behalf by or under any law made by the appropriate Legislature and is not otherwise disqualified under this Constitution or any law made by the appropriate Legislature on the ground of non-residence, unsoundness of mind, crime or corrupt or illegal practice, shall be entitled to be registered as a voter at any such election.

In plain language

Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections are based on adult suffrage. Every adult citizen is a voter unless the Constitution disqualifies them for a specific reason.

This wording has been in force since 1950 on this desk.

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