Voter ID: Meaning, how to apply, mistakes to avoid, and benefits

India stands as the biggest democratic system in the world, and voting is an essential aspect of our democracy. Voting is the fundamental right of every citizen born in India. The voting process in India has different stages. It ranges from small-level elections such as Panchayat to the national level. Are you a first-time voter? Do you want to apply for a Voter ID for anyone in your family? This article guides you on the Voter ID registration process.

  

What is a voter ID? 

A voter ID is an identity proof issued to Indian citizens who are eligible to vote. It is also called the Elector Photo Identity Card or the EPIC card. The voter ID is given to people eligible for voting by the Election Commission of India. The authorities who manage the election process in India issue the voter ID. It is given to the qualified voters in India to stop malpractices and fraudulent voting. The other reason for issuing the voter ID is to match the country’s electoral roll. The Voter ID is a strong identification proof in India that can be used anywhere, anytime. It helps the people to use their right to vote in the correct way. 

 

Fields in the voter ID card

• Hologram Sticker 
• Serial Number 
• Name
• Name of Parents 
• Age 
• Gender 
• Photograph

 

Eligibility criteria

• The applicant should be a permanent Indian resident. 
• The applicant’s age must be above eighteen years. 

 

Required documents 

Address proofs

• Latest bank statement
• PAN card
• Passport copy 
• Driving licence 
• Railway identity card 
• Bank Passbook 
• Student identity card
• Physically disabled document 
• Pension document 
• Government-issued service card 
• Freedom fighter identity card
• Utility bills

Age proof

• Birth certificate 
• SSLC certificate 
• Driving licence 
• Any document in which your age is specified. 
• Two recent size photographs (captured six months before the submission date). 

 

Voter ID forms

Forms	Description
Form 6	For first time voters.
Form 7	Object an application for inclusion on electoral roll
Form 8	Correction of details on an existing User ID.
Form 8-A	Changing address within the same constituency.

 

Step by step procedure to apply for a voter ID card online

You can apply for a voter ID online from the comfort of your home. It saves time and brings transparency to India’s electoral system.

• Visit the official website of the National Voter Service Portal – https://www.nvsp.in/
• You will land on the homepage of the portal. 
• Click ‘Login/Register’ on the left corner of the page. 
• A new page will appear on the screen. 
• Click on ‘do not have an account/ register as a new user’. 
• You will see the registration form. 
• Enter the necessary details like mobile number, email id, password, etc. 
• Click ‘I have an epic number, or I do not have an epic number’. 
• Click on ‘register’. 
• You will get the OTP on your number. 
• Enter the OTP. 
• You will get a ‘login form’ on the screen. 
• Enter all the required details in the login form, such as your username, password, and captcha code. 
• You will land on a new page where you have to select fresh inclusion and enrollment. 
• A new page opens. Now choose your citizenship status and state. 
• Click on next.
• The application form will appear. 
• Select your state and your assembly or constituency. 
• Now enter all the needed details such as personal address, date of birth, declarations, and other additional information.
• Upload all the supporting documents. 
• Click ‘submit’. 
• You can log in with your number and password.

 

What happens after the registration process?

• The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will send you a form if there are any objections. If the registration form is error-free, your name will be added to the voter list. 

• The ERO will conduct a hearing if anyone has an objection to adding your name to the voter list. 
• You will receive a message on your registered number on the confirmation of your name on the voter list. 

 

How to search for your name in Voter ID online?

• Visit the official website of the National Service Portal.
• On the landing page, click ‘Search in Electoral Roll’. 
• A new page will appear on the screen. 

• Search by typing the details or search using the EPIC number. 
• Enter the following information – name, age, date of birth, EPIC number, etc. 
• Click on search to check the details. 

 

How to track the application status online?

• Visit the official website of the National Service Portal. 
• On the homepage of the portal, click on ‘track application status.
• A new page will appear. Enter the reference ID.

• Select the track status button. 
• You can view your application status. 

 

Ways to check your name in the voter ID list 

• Place a call to the helpline number: 1950
• You can also send a message to 1950/7738299899. 
• Visit the official website – www.nvsp.in
• Go to your nearest voter centre. 

 

Common Mistakes to avoid during Voter ID registration

• Make sure you use the correct form to register for the Voter ID. 
• Attach all the supporting documents in the registration process to avoid confusion in the future. 
• Please provide the correct information about you while registering. 
• Ensure all the details are error-free since they will appear on your Voter ID. 

 

Voter ID benefits  

• The Voter ID serves as proof of personal identity. 
• Owning the card will make you a registered voter. 
• During election time, it helps the officials to prevent fake votes. 
• It also helps in curbing other malpractices during elections. 
• It also serves as identification proof. The Voter ID is accepted as proof in companies, colleges, banks, insurances, offices, and other places.
• Having a Voter ID will get you registered on the electoral list. You can register your name in the electoral list of the state. It helps when you are relocating from one place to another. Your name is included in the electoral list of the new residential area. 

 

FAQs

What kind of voting system is used in India?

Electronic voting system is used in India.

What are the different voting systems in India?

Past the post voting, block voting, two-round system, proportional representation and ranked voting.

What is the duration of the election period in India?

The duration of the election period in India is two weeks.

What are the three different categories of applicants in India?

General Resident, NRI Electors and Service Electors.

What does EPIC stand for?

EPIC stands for Electoral Photo Identity Card.