ECI Allows 12 Photo IDs Besides EPIC for Voting

RR Team

2 months ago

New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that voters can present any one of 12 alternative photo identity documents in addition to the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to cast their vote. This move aims to increase voter accessibility while maintaining strict identification standards at polling stations.

Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, ECI issues EPICs to facilitate voter identification and prevent impersonation. Nearly 100% of electors in Bihar and in eight Assembly constituencies holding bye-elections have already received their EPICs. ECI also instructed Chief Electoral Officers to deliver EPICs to new voters within 15 days of the final publication of electoral rolls.

12 Alternative Photo IDs Approved by ECI

The 12 alternative photo identity documents include:

Aadhaar Card
MNREGA Job Card
Passbooks with photograph issued by Banks/Post Offices
Health Insurance Smart Card under Ministry of Labour/Ayushman Bharat Health Card
Driving License
PAN Card
Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
Indian Passport
Pension documents with photograph
Service identity cards with photograph issued by Central/State Government, PSUs, or Public Limited Companies
Official identity cards for MPs, MLAs, and MLCs
Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card by Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment

It is reiterated that the presence of the voter’s name on the electoral roll remains a prerequisite for casting a vote on polling day.

Special Provisions for Privacy and Inclusion

To encourage participation of women observing purdah, ECI will provide special arrangements at polling stations for dignified identification. Lady polling officers or attendants will assist in the process, ensuring privacy while verifying identity.

These steps reflect ECI’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no eligible voter is left behind due to lack of EPIC or privacy concerns. The new measures also aim to streamline voter verification, making the electoral process more efficient and accessible for all electors across the country.