RTI for Election Commission & Electoral Records (2025 Guide)

Free and fair elections are the backbone of democracy. The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens to access factual and administrative records from the Election Commission of India (ECI) and State Election Commissions. RTI cannot question election results or EVM functioning, but it can expose how funds are used, how candidates file affidavits, and how electoral rolls are maintained.

Where RTI Applies in Election Matters

• Voter Rolls: Request certified copies of electoral rolls, deletions, and additions in your constituency.
• Candidate Affidavits: Obtain copies of affidavits filed with nomination papers.
• Election Expenses: Access records of candidate expenditure and fund utilization certificates.
• Political Party Data: Seek audited accounts, donations, and compliance reports filed with the ECI.
• Model Code of Conduct: Request circulars, guidelines, and action taken reports on violations.

Where RTI Does Not Apply

• Election Results: Results are declared by Returning Officers, not via RTI.
• EVM Software/Technical Secrets: RTI cannot demand source code, algorithms, or technical configurations.
• Confidential Deliberations: Internal decision-making processes remain outside RTI.

Sample RTI Queries for Elections

• Please provide certified copy of the latest electoral roll for constituency ___ as on date ___.
• Please provide certified copies of affidavits filed by candidates in constituency ___ for election held on date ___.
• Please provide statement of expenditure filed by candidate ___ for election held in year ___.
• Please provide certified copy of audited annual accounts submitted by political party ___ for year 2024–25.
• Please provide action taken report on Model Code of Conduct violations recorded in constituency ___ during election ___.

Authorities You Can File With

• Election Commission of India (ECI): For national-level data, political party compliance, and MCC records.
• State Election Commissions: For state/local body election rolls and related information.
• District Election Officers & Returning Officers: For constituency-wise rolls, affidavits, and expenses.

FAQs on RTI for Election Commission & Records