Voter ID Card or Election Card is provided to all the eligible Indians who can cast a vote. It is also known as the Voter Registration Card. The Election Card serves as proof of identity and address. It is accepted nationally as a KYC document. The document makes it easier to identify the voters and help in the process of voting in a democratic election. One can apply for it either online or offline. It takes about 5 to 7 weeks to receive the Card after application.
In this post, we will discuss the eligibility for Voter ID Card, uses of this card, application procedure, digital voter card, NRI voter card, things to keep in mind, the structure of the card, documents required, track Voter’s card application status, verifying the card details, what to do if voter’s ID not received, and FAQs.
Here are the eligibility norms for Voter’s Card:
Here are the uses of this document:
A citizen can apply for this document in 3 ways as mentioned below:
The ECI (Election Commission of India) launched the facility of digital voter ID on 25 January 2021. It is also known as e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card).
NRIs (Non-resident Indians) also have the right to vote. So, they can apply for their Voter ID Card either online by filling Form 6A or offline in India. However, they must be present in the country and constituency to cast a vote. As of now, one cannot cast the vote remotely.
Voter ID functions as a government-recognized identity and address proof. Thus, it is an important document. It also allows an Indian citizen to exercise his/her right and fundamental duty to vote in the democratic election. As this document has several uses, here are things to consider before dropping the application:
A voter ID has the following information:
Individuals have to submit the following documents for the Voter Identity Card:
Applicants can track Voter ID status for the application made on the website of the State Election Commission. Each state in India has its election commission website. Here are the ways to track Voter ID status:
If a cardholder suspects that the ID is a counterfeit, then he/she can verify the document with the Voter ID number. The person has to visit the Chief Electoral Officer’s official website of the state. Or, he/she has to visit the nearest office of a state election. Also, the individual has to check if their name is in the electoral roll to identify the details. In case of any error, the person must bring that to the notice of the officer.
Here are ways for Voter ID verification:
If an individual wishes to change or correct details in their Voter ID CARD, then he/she can do it online through the NVSP portal or visit the nearest election office for the correction procedure. If doing so online, here is the process on the respective website:
If you do not receive the Voter’s Card, then follow the given steps:
Here are the Voter ID FAQs:
To download the application form for Voter ID or enrolling your name in the electoral roll, visit the website of the Election Commission of India. Form 6 is also available offline at the offices of Electoral Registration Officers or that of their assistants. People can obtain the same from the Booth Level Officers of polling station areas.
One can drop an online application on the website of the Election Commission of India. He/she can also do so on the website of your State’s Chief Electoral Officer. Along with the duly filled application form, the person has to upload the required documents and his/her photograph.
You can submit any of the government-recognized proof of identity that bears your photograph. The same goes for proof of address, but a photograph on the document is not mandatory. Some of the acceptable documents are a Driving Licence, Passport, Aadhaar Card, Bank Passbook, Job Card, utility bills, etc.
Any Indian citizen of 18 years of age or above can apply for the election card. But there is a cut-off date to identify the qualifying age. This is calculated on the 1st of January for a year in which the Election Commission of India prepared the electoral roll. Terms and conditions for the age limit calculation are as per the Representation of People Act, 1950. For instance, if you attain 18 years of age on or after 2nd January 2020, then you will qualify for Voter’s card registration for electoral roll prepared after 1 January 2022.
For the application, resident Indians need Form 6, and NRIs require Form 6A. For Deletion or Objection in the electoral roll, a person will require Form 7. To change the applicant’s gender, date of birth, age, photo, EPIC number, address, name of relative age, type of relation, etc, one will need Form 8. In case an individual has to shift from a residence to another in the same constituency, then he/she has to report the information change through Form 8A.
To cast a vote in India, one has to register as a registered voter. The same is possible offline. Or, the individual can visit the website of the election commission and register there. In case a registered voter does not have a Voter ID Card for some reason, but his/her name is on the electoral list, then it is possible to vote. The person has to produce one of the following documents at the polling booth to be eligible to cast a vote:
