Poll Panel allows 12 alternative photo IDs for voting, EPIC not mandatory

The Election Commission of India Friday announced that voters can cast their ballots using any one of 12 alternative photo identification documents, apart from the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

The list of acceptable alternatives includes the Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, passbooks with photographs issued by banks or post offices, health insurance smart cards issued under the Ministry of Labour or the Ayushman Bharat Health Card, driving licenses, PAN cards, smart cards issued by the Registrar General of India under the National Population Register (NPR), Indian passports, pension documents with photographs, service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by Central or State Governments, PSUs, or Public Limited Companies, as well as official identity cards issued to MPs, MLAs, and MLCs. The Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card, issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, is also an acceptable form of ID.

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The ECI also clarified that having an EPIC is not mandatory to vote, but the voter’s name must be on the electoral roll. The commission has also made special arrangements for women who wear burqas or purdah to ensure their dignified identification at polling stations.