Voter ID Card

A Voter ID Card, also known as the Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is a photo identity card that is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to all individuals who are eligible to vote.^{(( Section 61(b), Representation of the People Act, 1951; Rule 28(2), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960))} This card is commonly known by other names such as an election card, voter’s card, Voter ID, etc.

The primary purpose of this card is to improve the accuracy of the electoral roll and to help prevent cases of electoral fraud. It serves as an identification proof when individuals cast their vote and prevents the impersonation of voters.^{(( Rule 28(1), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960))} Know more about voting without Voter ID Card here.

The Voter ID Card also acts as a valid photo ID proof for several official purposes such as obtaining Aadhaar, PAN Card etc.

The Voter ID Card contains the elector’s name, age and residence (among other particulars), and must have elector’s photograph affixed to it. It bears the signature of the Registration Officer i.e., the electoral registration officer of your constituency.^{(( Rule 2(d), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960))} The voter’s card is prepared in duplicate, and one copy is retained with the registration officer while the other is delivered to the voter.^{(( Rule 28(3), Registration of Electors Rules, 1960))}

You can enroll as a voter if you:^{(( Article 326, Constitution of India))}

1. Are an Indian citizen
2. Have attained the age of 18 years
3. Are ordinarily resident of the polling area of the constituency where you want to be enrolled
4. Are not disqualified to be enrolled as an elector. The disqualification may happen if you are convicted for an offence or you carry out corrupt practices.^{(( Section 11A, Representation of the People Act, 1951))}

Know more about who can vote here.

A Voter ID Card does not require any renewal. You can obtain a new Voter ID Card and also update your Voter’s ID. If you require any additional help and support, please see here.  

Read this government resource to know more.