Updated on: Jul 26th, 2022
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4 min read
A Voter ID, also known as EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) is a photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India to all Indian citizens eligible to vote. The purpose of voter ID is to serve as an identity proof for voters, increase efficiency and prevent impersonation and fraud during free and fair democratic elections. This card is also commonly known as an election card, voter’s card, or Voter ID card.
This article covers the following:
A voter ID card is an accepted form of personal identification in India as it is issued by a government body. The voter ID consists of the following details:
The card holder’s residential address and signature of the issuing authority (Electoral registration officer) are on the rear side of the voter ID card.
A citizen of India can apply for a voter ID in three ways; online, offline or through semi-online methods:
Online | Semi-Online | Offline |
---|---|---|
Applicant must begin by visiting the national voter’s service portal (NSVP) website | Applicant must begin by visiting the national voter’s service portal (NSVP) website | Applicant must visit the nearest State Election office and request for Form 6. |
Click relevant option to register of new voter id | Download ‘form 6’ and fill the form with relevant details. | Fill ‘form 6’ with necessary details and provide all supporting documents such as Identity proof, address proof etc. The applicant may submit the completed form to the respective election office. |
The online ‘form 6’ will open and applicants fill in all the details form 6 and submit form Additionally, applicant must upload a photo and supporting documents with reference to Voter ID Status. | Submit the completed form 6 along with a photo and supporting documents at an Election Office near you by either post or in person. | On verification of form, Voter ID will be issued. |
Voter ID is only issued after necessary verification of all documents and details provided by the applicant.
Applying for a Voters ID requires you to submit the following documents:
In order to be eligible for a Voter ID card, individuals must meet the following criteria:
Voter ID is an important document required for an Indian citizen as it enables him/her to exercise a fundamental duty of voting in democratic elections. Voter ID also serves as a proof of identity and address.
Here are the following things to keep a note of:
Applicants can verify their Voter ID if they suspect their ID to be a counterfeit by using their Voter ID number. The applicant will have to visit the official website of the Chief Electoral Officer of their state or the nearest state election office. In doing so they must search and check if their name is present in the electoral roll, following which they can cross verify the details. If there are any discrepancies the applicant must bring it to the notice of the Chief Electoral Officer.
Steps to verify Voter ID:
Cardholders who want to make necessary changes/corrections of their details in their voter ID can do so by physically visiting the nearest election office or visiting the online national voters’ service portal and follow the below steps:
If your details are wrong not to worry, fill out “Form 8” indicating the voter ID corrections and submit the form along with relevant supporting documents to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or online on the portal. Once you have submitted, the ERO will process your application and make the necessary changes in your voter ID.
The Voter ID card is used to furnish important details such as:
Voter ID applicants can now track the status of their application on the State Election Commission website. Each Indian state has their respective election commission website. Refer the image below taken as an example.
To track the status of voter ID:
Now select search and get information on your voter ID card status.
If you haven’t received the Voter ID, not to worry. Follow the instructions below:
If there are any discrepancies in receiving your voter ID, you can physically visit the state election office and rectify things.
Non-resident Indians can still exercise their right to vote. NRIs can now apply online, or offline if they are in India and have their Voter IDs issued. NRIs have to be present in the country and their constituency to cast their vote and cannot do it remotely as of now.
All about EVM
EVMs are Electronic Voting Machines used in the State and General Elections. EVMs have helped make the entire voting process more user-friendly, secure, fast and paperless.
SVEEP
Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation is the right to vote in democratic elections that were won after a great struggle by the early freedom fighters of India. The Election Commission of India (ECI) introduced a programme called SVEEP aimed at educating the Indian citizens about the importance of voting and how to exercise their fundamental right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Voter ID Card is an essential identification card provided by the Election Commission of India to verified Indian citizens. To apply, one must meet eligibility criteria, submit required documents, and track the application status. NRI voter ID applications are also possible. Voter ID serves as proof of identity and address and allows participation in democratic elections. Fraud prevention and corrections are covered in the process.