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New Delhi, Oct 10 (IANS) To ease the voting process for voters, the Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a note stating that people whose names are in the voters list can produce any one of the 12 alternative photo identity cards in addition to the Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to exercise their franchise.
According to the statement issued by the poll panel, “The Election Commission of India is empowered under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 read with the Voters Registration Rules, 1960 to direct that voters be issued Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to facilitate identification of voters and to prevent impersonation at the polling station.”
“EPICs have been issued to almost 100 per cent of voters in Bihar and eight by-poll-bound assembly constituencies. The Commission had also issued instructions to all CEOs to ensure delivery of EPICs to new voters within 15 days of the final publication of the voter list,” the note said.
The poll panel also said that to make things easier for voters whose names are in the electoral roll but who are unable to produce the EPIC for their identity, the ECI has allowed them to produce any one of the 12 alternative photo identity documents listed in the earlier notification.
The statement said, “Further, for the convenience of voters whose names are in the electoral roll but are unable to produce the EPIC for their identification, the ECI had issued notification dated October 7, 2025, allowing such voters to produce any one of the following 12 alternative photo identity documents: Aadhaar card; MNREGA job card; passbook with photograph issued by bank/post office; labor certificate.” Health Insurance Smart Card Card issued under the Ministry/Ayushman Bharat Health Scheme; Driving license; PAN Card; Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR; Indian passport; Pension document with photograph; Service Identity Cards with photo issued to employees by Central/State Government/PSU/Public Limited Companies; Official identity card issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs and specific disability issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India ID (UDID) Card.”
The poll panel further reiterated that to be able to cast a vote, it is mandatory for the person’s name to be in the electoral roll.
“It may be reiterated that presence of name in the electoral roll is a prerequisite for being able to vote on the polling day,” the note said.
The ECI also addressed the issue of establishing the identity of women who traditionally cover their faces without offending anyone.
“To encourage the participation of Pardanasheen (in burqa or purdah) women, special arrangements will be made at the polling stations as per the extant instructions for their respectful identification in the presence of female polling officers/attendants while ensuring their privacy.”
The ECI notification comes just ahead of the assembly elections in Bihar, which are scheduled to be held in two phases on November 6 and 11 and counting of votes will take place on November 14.
–IANS
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