As the Lok Sabha elections for 2024 approach, scheduled to commence on April 19th across various constituencies in India, voters are reminded of the necessity to carry their Voter ID cards to polling booths. However, for those who find themselves without this crucial document at the last moment, the Election Commission has outlined eleven alternative identification options to ensure their voting rights are preserved.
Alternative ID Options for Voters
- Aadhaar Card: In the absence of a Voter ID card, voters can present their Aadhaar Card as a valid form of identification at the polling booth.
- Passbook with Photograph: Passbooks issued by banks or post offices, bearing a photograph of the holder, serve as acceptable identification.
- MNREGA Job Card: Individuals possessing a Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) Job Card can use it as proof of identity to cast their vote.
- Health Insurance Smart Card: Those enrolled in the Ministry of Labour’s health insurance scheme can present their smart card at polling booths.
- Driving License: A valid driving license serves as an alternative identification document for casting votes.
- Indian Passport: Passport holders can utilize this document to verify their identity and exercise their voting rights.
- PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card issued by the Income Tax Department is recognized as a valid ID for voting purposes.
- Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR: Smart cards issued by the Registrar General of India (RGI) under the National Population Register (NPR) can be presented at polling stations.
- Service Identity Cards: Employees of Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), and Public Limited Companies can use their service identity cards with photographs for identification.
- Official Identity Cards for Legislators: MPs, MLAs, and MLCs can utilize their official identity cards as an alternative to Voter ID cards.
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card: Individuals with disabilities can present their UDID card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
Voting Procedure
The Election Commission of India stipulates that voters can cast their ballots only if their names are listed on the official voter list. Once eligibility is confirmed, voters can choose to use either their Voter ID card or one of the aforementioned alternative identification documents to cast their votes.
Precautionary Measures
It is advisable for voters to verify their inclusion in the official voter list before visiting the polling booth to avoid any inconvenience during the voting process.
As the Lok Sabha elections draw near, these alternative identification options ensure that every eligible voter can participate in the democratic process, regardless of the absence of their Voter ID card.