Don’t have voter ID card? You can vote using any of these 12 alternative identity cards; for Muslim women wearing burqas, strict orders…

New Delhi: Election Commission announcement: The Election Commission has stated that voters who do not possess an Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) will be able to vote in the Bihar Assembly election by presenting one of the 12 alternative photo identity cards. The Commission has made this arrangement for the convenience of voters whose names are listed on the electoral roll but, for some reason, are unable to present their EPIC.

Directions to all Chief Electoral Officers

The Election Commission stated that under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Electoral Roll Rules, 1960, it has the authority to direct the issuance of EPICs to ensure voter identity and prevent impersonation at polling stations.

The Commission stated that EPICs have been issued to nearly 100% of voters in Bihar and the eight assembly constituencies where by-elections are being held. Additionally, all Chief Electoral Officers have been directed to ensure that EPIC is made available to new voters within 15 days of the final publication of the electoral roll.

Here is the list of alternative identification cards

1. Aadhaar Card.
2. MNREGA Job Card.
3. Photo Passbook issued by a bank or post office.
4. Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour or Ayushman Bharat Scheme.
5. Driving License.
6. PAN Card.
7. Smart Card issued under the National Population Register (NPR).
8. India(BHARAT)n Passport.
9. Pension Document with Photo.
10. Service Identity Card issued by the Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Public Limited Companies.
11. Official Identity Card issued to Members of Parliament/MLAs/MLCs.
12. Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

For women wearing burqas

All these documents will be accepted as identification. The Commission also clarified that a voter must be registered in the electoral roll to vote. Without this, voting will not be permitted. The Election Commission has directed that special arrangements be made at polling stations to ensure the convenience and dignity of women who are ‘pardanashin’ (those wearing veils or burqas). The Commission stated that such women will be identified confidentially and respectfully in the presence of female polling officers or assistants to ensure their privacy is maintained.

(With agency inputs)