Election Commission of India Approves 12 Alternative IDs for Maharashtra Assembly Elections
Nagpur, India: Voters in Maharashtra now have the option to present any one of 12 approved forms of identification, aside from the Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC), to vote in the upcoming assembly elections on November 20, following a recent announcement by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This measure is similar to the policy adopted for the Lok Sabha elections in April.
Voters who possess a Photographic Voter ID Card are expected to use it as their ID at polling stations. However, for those without this specific ID, the Election Commission of India has approved 12 alternative IDs, allowing them to participate in the election.
The acceptable identification options include the Aadhaar card, MGNREGA Employment Identity Card, bank or postal passbooks with a photograph, the Health Bima Smart Card from the Ministry of Labour, and a driving license.
Other accepted IDs include the PAN card, National Smart Card from the Population Register, passport, pension documents, IDs issued by central or state governments, and ID cards from public sector undertakings.
The list of approved IDs also includes the special identity card for persons with disabilities issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, as well as official ID cards for members of Parliament, the Legislative Assembly, and the Legislative Council.
NRIs must show their original passport as ID when voting. If voters have changed their address, they can still use their old ID, provided their updated address is listed in the electoral roll.
To ensure a smooth voting experience, the Election Office will provide all registered voters with information slips specifying their polling station and other essential details at least five days before voting day. Voters are advised to bring this slip along with a photo ID to the polling station on election day.
