Voter ID (India)

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New Digital PVC Voter ID or EPIC Card
An paper Laminated Indian Voter Identity Card
TypeElection Identification proof
Issued byElection Commission of India
First issued1993 (31 years ago) (1993)
Purpose
Valid inIndia
Eligibilityshould be 18 years old
ExpirationLifetime
Costfree
Websitewww.eci.gov.in

The Indian Voter ID Card (officially the Elector's Photo Identity Card (EPIC)) is an identity document issued by the Election Commission of India to adults domiciles of India who have reached the age of 18. It primarily serves as an identity proof for Indian citizens while casting their ballot in the country's municipal, state, and national elections.[1] It also serves as general identity, address, and age proof for other purposes such as buying a mobile phone SIM card or applying for a passport.[2][3] It also serves as a Travel Document to travel to Nepal and Bhutan by Land or Air[4] It is also known as Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). It was first introduced in 1993 during the tenure of the Chief Election Commissioner T. N. Seshan.[5]

Physical appearance

Initially, voter IDs were printed with black ink on regular paper and laminated. Starting in 2015,[6] the Indian government started rolling out a less perishable PVC colour version, compliant with the ISO/IEC 7810 size standard[7] used by most payment and ATM cards.

A new type PVC Voter ID Card/EPIC
An paper Laminated Indian Voter Identity Card

On the front, the Elector Photo Identity Card contains the voter's name, the name of a relative they have chosen (such as their father or mother), and the voter's picture, along with the voter's ID number. On the back of the card, the voter's home address is printed, along with an image of their Electoral Registration Officer's signature. The back also mentions the voter's electoral district and their assembly constituency. The newer series also contains a 'part number', which lets voters and election officials locate voters on their electoral roll.[8]

Obtaining voter card

The voter card is issued to all Indian citizens who have attained the age of 18 years and qualify to be a voter. One has to apply on prescribed Form-6 of Election Commission attached with proof of ID, Indian nationality, age and residence.[9][10]

Those of "unsound mind", convicted of "corrupt practices", or offenses related to elections are ineligible to vote.[11]

Applicants have to submit paper Form-6 to their Booth Level officer (BLO) of the area.[12]

Applicants can also apply online on the website of the chief electoral officer given for that State[13][14] or can directly apply to the website named Voters' Service Portal.[15]

Fake voter ID cards have occasionally been used fraudulently for other purposes by dubious parties and individuals to suit their personal needs (such as obtaining a SIM card through impersonation).[16][17][18]

See also

References

  1. ^ "List of acceptable Documents as Proof of Identity and Proof of Address from General Public in the Country except in J&K, North East and Assam Service Areas" (PDF). dot.gov.in. 18 November 2016. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Simple steps to link mobile number with voter id". India Today. 30 September 2019. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  3. ^ "Planning to get a new SIM card in India? Here's how you can do it. Bali Sim Card". BSdirect. 15 August 2021. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  4. ^ "Indian Passengers". boi.gov.in. Archived from the original on 25 June 2014.
  5. ^ "Election Commission of India". Eci.nic.in. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  6. ^ New Delhi, PTI. "New hard plastic voter identity card on the anvil". The Hindu Business Line. The Hindu Group of Companies. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  7. ^ Singh, B.K. "e-Tender Notice for engaging reputed service provider firm/company/agency for printing and supply of personalized PVC EPIC Cards" (PDF). ceodelhi.gov.in. Office of the Chief Electoral Officer, Delhi. Retrieved 23 April 2019.
  8. ^ "How To Check Voter ID Status Card By EPIC Number Best 2024". 16 February 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  9. ^ "Epic Card". Bangaloreone.gov.in. Archived from the original on 27 February 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  10. ^ "Apply online, get your voter ID in a month - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 16 July 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  11. ^ APPENDIX III (CHAPTER 1, PARA 5.1) EXTRACT FROM CONSTITUTION OF INDIA Archived 8 December 2017 at the Wayback Machine
  12. ^ "Booth Level Officer; A Representative of Election Commission at the Grass-Root Level". pib.nic.in. Retrieved 10 June 2019.
  13. ^ "A Step By Step Procedure To Apply For Voter ID Card". 28 December 2014.
  14. ^ "Chief Electoral Officer, Kerala". Ceo.kerala.gov.in. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  15. ^ "Voters' Service Portal". www.nvsp.in. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  16. ^ "Fake voter ID card for just Rs 200 - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  17. ^ "ACP to face trial in fake voter ID case as court rejects plea - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 26 February 2015.
  18. ^ "Fake voter ID card racket busted". The Hindu. 21 August 2011. Retrieved 26 February 2015.