ECI Allows 12 Alternative Photo IDs for Voters Without EPIC Cards
ECI Allows 12 Alternative Photo IDs for Voters Without EPIC Cards
New Delhi, October 10: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that voters whose names appear on the electoral roll but do not possess their Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will still be allowed to vote using any one of 12 approved alternative photo identity documents. The decision, issued through a notification on October 7, 2025, aims to ensure a smooth and inclusive voting process during the upcoming elections.
According to the ECI, the move is in accordance with the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, which empower the Commission to facilitate voter identification and prevent impersonation at polling stations.
EPIC cards have already been distributed to nearly all voters in Bihar and the eight Assembly constituencies going for by-elections. The Commission has directed all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure that new voters receive their EPICs within 15 days of the final publication of electoral rolls.
For those unable to produce their EPIC, the following 12 documents will be accepted as valid photo identification at polling stations:
1. Aadhaar Card
2. MGNREGA Job Card
3. Passbook with photograph issued by Bank or Post Office
4. Health Insurance Smart Card (Ministry of Labour / Ayushman Bharat)
5. Driving License
6. PAN Card
7. Smart Card issued by Registrar General of India under NPR
8. Indian Passport
9. Pension Document with Photograph
10. Service Identity Card (for Central/State Govt./PSUs/Public Limited Companies)
11. Official Identity Cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
12. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
The ECI reiterated that the presence of a voter’s name on the electoral roll remains a mandatory prerequisite for casting a vote.
Additionally, the Commission emphasized that special arrangements will be made at polling stations to ensure the dignity and privacy of purdanasheen (veil-observing) women voters, allowing them to verify their identity comfortably in the presence of designated female officers.
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