Voter ID Verification

The right to vote is a fundamental right that empowers citizens to participate in the democratic process and shape their country’s future.

In India, the Election Commission of India is responsible for conducting free and fair elections, and voter ID verification is a crucial step in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

The importance of voter ID verification in India cannot be overstated, as it helps to prevent voter fraud and ensures that only eligible voters can cast their ballots.

In this guide, we will explore the significance of voter ID verification in India and the measures taken by the Election Commission to ensure the fairness and transparency of elections.

The Process for Voter ID Verification in India

Cardholders can partake in India’s Voter ID verification process by following the steps illustrated below. 

1. Visit the official website of the Election Commission of India (ECI): This website is the official platform that provides all the necessary details about the online Voter ID application process in India.
2. Fill in the correct application form: First-time applicants must fill out and submit Form-6. Fill out all the required details on the form and attach scanned copies of the necessary documents, including a passport-sized photograph.
3. Submit the hard copies of the documents: After submitting the voter ID verification form online, you need to visit the nearest electoral office to submit the required documents. Submitting the documents in person is advisable to avoid delays or application loss. 
4. Voter card verification: The electoral officer will verify your application and cross-check your details with your neighbours and community members to ensure your address’s accuracy.
5. Track the status of your application: After submitting the documents, you will receive an acknowledgement receipt with a reference number. You can use this reference number to track the status of your application on the ECI website.

The EPIC Number

EPIC stands for Electors Photo Identity Card, a Voter ID card. The EPIC number is a unique 10-character alphanumeric code assigned to each voter who has been issued a Voter ID card by the Election Commission of India (ECI). This number is printed on the front side of the Voter ID card and serves as a unique identification number for the cardholder. 

The EPIC number helps to avoid duplicate entries in the voter list and ensures that each voter has a unique identity for electoral purposes. It is used for various electoral activities such as voter registration, voting, and other services.

How Does the Process of Voter ID Verification Work?

The process of Voter ID verification works by following the steps below. 

1. Get the application form: The application form can be obtained either online or offline. Different forms are available for other requirements. For example, if you’re a first-time voter, you need to fill out Form 6, and if you need to correct or update your details, you need to submit Form 8.
2. Submit the form and required documents: Once you complete the form, you must submit it along with the required documents. These documents include proof of address, identity, and a passport-sized photograph.
3. Verification of details: The election officer will verify the details you have submitted in the form and the documents. They may also contact your neighbours and community members to confirm your address.
4. Acknowledgement number: After submission of the form and documents, you will receive an acknowledgement number which you can use to track your application status.
5. Verification by the Booth Level Officer: The Booth Level Officer will visit your residence to verify the details provided in the application form. If they find any discrepancies, your application may be cancelled.
6. Voter ID delivery: The verification process is complete if all the details are verified and accurate. You will receive your Voter ID by post within 2-3 weeks.

State Wise Voter ID Verification

India is where various political parties participate in the elections, striving to secure the maximum number of votes. One such method was to create counterfeit Voter ID cards and use them to cast multiple illegal votes. Sometimes, a single Voter ID card would be used to cast multiple ballots. This led to the dilution of the democratic process and the need for more stringent measures to preserve the integrity of the election process.

To address these challenges, the Election Commission of India has implemented several measures to ensure the authenticity of Voter ID/EPIC cards. These measures include collecting biometric data, conducting house-to-house verification, and using advanced technology to detect fraudulent activities. By implementing these measures, the Election Commission is working towards ensuring that the electoral process is fair and every vote counts.