A Voter Identity Card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is an essential document issued by the Election Commission of India. This card not only serves as proof of identity but also allows citizens to exercise their right to vote in elections. The Voter Identity Card (EPIC) is an important document for individuals wishing to vote in both national and state elections, and it has become a key identity document for various administrative purposes.
This article will guide you through the process of applying for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC), the documents required, eligibility criteria, and other relevant information.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC)?
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To apply for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC), you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Age: The applicant must be 18 years or older on the day of application. The voter registration process can be completed once you reach the age of 18.
- Citizenship: The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Residence: The applicant must be a resident of the electoral area where they wish to apply for voter registration.
- No Prior Registration: You cannot apply for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC) if you are already registered in the voter list of any constituency.
Documents Required to Apply for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC):
The following documents are required when applying for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC):
Proof of Age: Any one of the following documents can be used as proof of age:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- School Leaving Certificate
- Aadhar Card
- Any government-issued document that states the applicant’s age.
Proof of Residence: Applicants need to provide a valid address proof to confirm their residence. Documents accepted as proof of address include:
- Aadhar Card
- Passport
- Utility bills (Electricity, Water, Gas)
- Bank Passbook or Bank Statement
- Rent Agreement
- Voter ID of a family member (if applicable)
Photograph: A passport-sized photograph is generally required for the registration process.
For foreign nationals or those residing temporarily in India, additional documents, such as a valid Visa, passport, or residential permit, may be required.
Types of Voter Identity Card (EPIC) Applications:
There are two main types of applications you can submit for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC):
- New Voter ID Application: This is for individuals who have never been registered to vote before and wish to obtain a new Voter ID.
- Correction or Modification of Existing Voter ID: If you have an existing Voter Identity Card (EPIC) but need to correct details such as name, address, or photo, you can apply for a modification.
How to Apply for Voter Identity Card (EPIC):
The application process for a Voter ID card can be done both online and offline. Let’s walk through each method:
A. Online Application Process for Voter ID Card:
Visit the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP):
The official website for the application is the National Voter Services Portal.
Alternatively, you can also visit the Election Commission of India’s website for your respective state.
Select ‘Apply Online for Registration of New Voter‘:
On the homepage, click on the option for “Apply Online for Registration of New Voter”.
Fill in Form 6:
You will be directed to Form 6, which is the application form for a new voter registration.
Provide details like your name, age, gender, address, and the assembly constituency in which you reside.
Upload Documents:
Upload the required proof of identity, address, and age.
You may be required to upload your passport-sized photograph.
All documents should be clear and legible for verification.
Submit the Form:
After filling in the details and uploading the necessary documents, click on “Submit” to complete the process.
You will receive an Application Reference Number (ARN) for tracking purposes.
Verification Process:
After submission, the Election Commission will verify your details. A Booth Level Officer (BLO) may visit your residence for physical verification.
If your application is approved, your Voter ID card will be sent to your registered address.
B. Offline Application Process for Voter ID Card:
Collect Form 6:
You can obtain Form 6 (the voter registration form) from your local Election Commission office, or it may be available at local post offices or designated centers.
The form is also available for download from the Election Commission of India website.
Fill in the Details:
Fill out the form with accurate details such as your name, address, date of birth, and other required information.
Submit the Documents:
Along with Form 6, submit the necessary documents as proof of identity, age, and address. Attach a recent passport-sized photograph as well.
Submit the Form at the Local Electoral Office:
Submit the completed form along with supporting documents at your local Election Commission office or your designated Voter Registration office.
Verification and Issuance:
Your details will be verified by a Booth Level Officer (BLO).
Once verified, your Voter ID will be issued and sent to your registered address.
How to Track Voter Identity Card (EPIC) Application Status:
You can track the status of your Voter ID application online using the Application Reference Number (ARN) provided during the online registration process.
Here are the steps to track your Voter ID status:
- Visit the NVSP website.
- Click on the Track Application Status link.
- Enter your Application Reference Number (ARN) or name and date of birth.
- Click Search to view the status of your application.
If you applied offline, you may need to visit the local Election Office or the place where you submitted your application for status updates.
How to Correct or Update Details in Your Voter Identity Card (EPIC)
If there are any discrepancies in your Voter ID card (such as spelling errors in your name, incorrect date of birth, or address), you can request a correction or modification. To do this, follow these steps:
- Fill out Form 8: Form 8 is the official correction form for updating details on your Voter ID card.
- Submit the Required Documents: Attach documents that support your claim, such as proof of name, address, or date of birth.
- Submit the Form Online or Offline: You can submit Form 8 online via the NVSP portal or offline at your local Electoral Office.
- Verification: Once submitted, the Election Commission will process your request, and the corrections will be made accordingly.
Conclusion:
Applying for a Voter Identity Card (EPIC) is an essential step for every eligible Indian citizen to participate in the democratic process. Whether you’re a first-time voter or need to update your existing details, the Election Commission of India has made the process accessible, transparent, and largely online for convenience.
FAQs:
Q. How long does it take to receive the Voter ID card after application?
A. Typically, after the application is processed and verified, the Voter ID card is delivered within 30-45 days to the registered address.
Q. Can I apply for a Voter ID card if I am living abroad?
A. Yes, Indian citizens living abroad can apply for a Voter ID card if they are registered in the Overseas Voter List. The process for applying is similar to that for Indian residents.
Q. Can I apply for a Voter ID card online if I don’t have an Aadhaar card?
A. Yes, you can apply for a Voter ID card without an Aadhaar card. Other identity proof documents, such as a passport, driving license, or ration car,d can be used.
Q. Can a 17-year-old apply for a Voter ID card?
A. No, a person must be 18 years of age or older to apply for a Voter ID card. However, you can apply when you turn 18.
Q. How can I check if my name is on the voter list?
A. You can check if your name is included in the voter list by visiting the NVSP website and searching by your name or by using your EPIC number or application reference number.
Q. How can I change my address on the Voter ID card?
A. If you have moved to a new address, you can use Form 8A to update your address. You will need to provide new address proof and documents for verification.
Q. What should I do if I lose my Voter ID card?
A. If you lose your Voter ID card, you can apply for a duplicate by submitting Form 002. You will need to provide an FIR (if required) and your personal details for verification.