Voter ID Card - Eligibility, Documents Required, Importance & How To Apply for Voter ID

The Voter ID, or Voter Card or Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a very important document to have in the largest democracy of the world. One of the fundamental rights guaranteed by democracy is the right to vote. This right can be exercised through the Voter ID.

The inception of Voter ID goes right back to the days of independence. After the Colonial British Rule Ended, elections were held. Before the first general elections could be held, the country needed a system to identify all the citizens who were eligible to vote. For this, the Election Commission of India brought to its citizens the voter card.

In this blog, we will cover everything you ever wanted to know about Indian Voter ID, Voting ID, Voter Card, Voter ID Card, and Election Card. The Election Card or Voter ID is a card that Indian citizens can apply for when they turn 18 years old and are legally allowed to vote. Applying for the Voter ID card is simple and straightforward. Explore how to apply for and get the Voter ID card in this article.

Also known as the Voter ID, Voting ID, Voter Card, Voter ID Card, and Election Card, it verifies the identity and details of the holder. This card is one of the most important documents an Indian citizen can have and requires additional layers of security to verify its authenticity. 

What Is Voter ID, Voting ID, Voter Card, Voter ID Card, Election Card?

The Election Commission ID is also known as the Voter's ID in India. It is an important document that Indian citizens need in order to be able to vote. 

These are unique components of the Voter ID:

• A serial number

• The voter's photograph

• A state hologram 

• Name of the voter 

• Name of the voter's father 

• Gender

• Card holder’s date of birth 

• The voter's address 

• Signature of the issuing authority 

Voter ID Eligibility 

All adult Indian citizens can enrol as voters if they meet certain eligibility requirements.

The prerequisites to apply for a Voter ID are:

• You should be an Indian citizen

• You should be 18 years old or 18 years old as of January 1 of the year you're planning to vote in.

• Are you a resident of the constituency you want to enrol in and vote in?

• If you have not been disqualified to be an elector.

Documents Required For Voter ID 

To register as an Indian Voter, you need to submit an application for the Voter ID. In addition, you will be required to submit supplemental documents. You will need to include proof of address, proof of age, and proof of identity. 

Address Proof

• Passport 

• Utilities bill (gas, water) 

• Rental agreement 

• Ration card 

• Bank Passbook or statement 

• AADHAAR Card 

Proof Of Age 

• 10th Standard Certificate 

• Birth Certificate 

• PAN Card 

• AADHAAR Card 

• Driver's Licence 

• Passport  

• Kisan Card 

Proof of Identity

• PAN Card 

• Driver's Licence 

• Ration Card 

• Passport Copy 

• Bank Passbook with Photograph 

• SSLC Certificate 

• Student ID Card 

• AADHAAR Card  

How To Apply for Voter ID 

Online:

Navigate to the Election Commission Website 

1. Go to the Election Commission's website

2. Choose your state from the list 

3. You will automatically go to the Chief Electoral Officer page of your state. 

Log In

Now, you will have to log in to the website. 

• If you've never been to this website, register as a new user.

  • New users, fill out your name, email, phone number, and create your account

  • Choose the Continue button

  • Your login details will be sent to your email address 

  • Log in with the username and password, and then change your password 

After you log in, select "Form 6" or "Application for including name in assembly constituency voters list."

Fill Out the Application

Enter all your personal details in the application form. Upload a passport-size colour photograph, and then "Submit" the firm and photograph.

Verify Identity 

After you submit the application, you will be asked to visit your closest voter ID centre. Go to the centre with your supporting documents, including identity proof and address proof. The Election Commission will send your new voter's card within 1 week. 

Download EPIC Card

Go to the Election Commission website and select E-EPIC Download. You will be redirected to a login page, where you need to submit your EPIC card details. After submitting these details, you can download your card. 

Offline or In-person:

You can register for your Voter ID offline by following the steps mentioned below. 

You can download and print a Form 6 application, or you can visit your local Election Commission office and get a Form 6 there. A Form 6 application is free at the Electoral Registration Officers/Assistant Electoral Registration Officers and Booth Level Officers offices. 

Along with the application, you will need to submit photocopies of the required documents listed above in the required documents section. Submit the application and documents at the office of the Electoral Registration Officer/Assistant Electoral Registration Officer. Alternatively, you can mail in your application and required documents to the Booth Level Officer in your constituency. 

You can also call Toll Free 1950 for further assistance about the Election Commission ID and application process.

Updating Voter ID Details 

Sometimes, a Voter ID may be printed with typos, or you may want to update certain section details. 

Go to your local electoral office. The electoral office will have a Form 8 application that you need to fill out. This is the form to correct details on your Voter's ID.

Importance of Having a Voter Card 

Now that you understand the importance of a Voter Card, how to get one, who is eligible, the documents you need, and even how to make corrections, let's look at how important it is. 

Verifies Voter Identity

Only an eligible Indian voter can cast their vote in the elections. But how does one know who is eligible? The Voter ID does the job. With a Voter ID, your eligibility can not be put into question. Your card contains a unique identification number, along with your name, address, and photograph, that solidifies your identity as a voter.

Deters Voter Fraud 

Another important purpose that the card plays is to deter voter fraud. The authorities can track the process and ensure that one person has not voted multiple times under different identities.

Streamlines Voting Process

Holding and managing an election in the world's largest democracy can be a monumental task. 

The Voter Card helps the official navigate the election process in a much more seamless manner. The person can just present their card, vote, and leave. Hence simplifying and speeding up the process.

Inclusive in Nature 

India has had a history of non-inclusivity, and the Voter Card changed that. The Voter ID can be issued to any Indian citizen who comes from any background, as long as the essential requirements are met. This ensures that everyone can have a say and role in electing the government no matter what their background is.

Wrapping up!

The Voter ID is a very important document that ensures you have the right to be part of the democracy and ensure that one of its main pillars is standing strong. You can easily apply for one once you are of the right eligible age, can do it easily using both the offline and online methods and ensure you have a role to play in the elections. The changes you need to make to your Voter Card can also be easily done through online and offline methods.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are some of the frequently asked questions on Your Complete Guide To The Indian Voter ID

What is the importance of a Voter ID?

The voter ID is an essential document that every citizen of the country needs to exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process of elections.

Who can apply for a Voter Card?

Here are the eligibility criteria-  1- Citizens must be at least 18 years of age. 2- Residents of the constituency they want to enrol in. 3- Not be disqualified from applying for a Voter ID.

What documents do I need in order to apply for a Voter ID?

The list of documents you will need to apply for a Voter ID: 

• 1- Proof of address 

• 2 - Proof of age

• 3 - Proof of age

These documents usually are - PAN cards, Aadhar Cards, Utility bills, Birth Certificates, Driving licences, Passports, etc.

How do I apply to get a Voter ID?

Apply for a Voter ID online by visiting the Election Commission's website, selecting your state, registering as a new user, filling out the application form (Form 6), and submitting it along with a passport-size photograph. Offline method -you can apply in person at your local Election Commission office or through postal mail.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.

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