Lok Sabha elections: Can you vote without voter ID card
The high stakes Lok Sabha elections are set to commence with the first phase on Friday and continue until June 1. This initial phase will cover 102 constituencies spanning across 21 states and Union Territories. Ahead of the polls, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has clarified that citizens can participate in the voting process even without a physical Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), commonly known as a voter ID.
Here's how you can vote using alternate ID
Voters without a physical voter ID card can still cast their votes by securing an election slip printout. However, they'll have to carry any one of the following documents-Passport, Aadhaar card, PAN card, Driving license, or MNREGA card. Additionally, ID cards of Central and state government employees or pension cards with a photo are also valid for voting at polling booths.
Check voter registration for Lok Sabha elections
Before heading to the polling booth, voters must verify their name on the official voter list by the ECI. This can be done by visiting https://voters.eci.gov.in. Users have to select their state and language, enter their details and captcha code, and click on "search" to check if their name appears on the electoral roll.
New users can register online or offline
If a voter's name is missing from the electoral roll, they can register either online or offline. For online registration, "Form 6" needs to be filled out on the ECI website with personal details and necessary documents uploaded. For offline registration, Form 6 can be obtained from Electoral Registration Offices or Booth Level Officers and submitted with relevant documents. The documents required for voter registration include a passport-sized photograph, identity proof, address proof, and date of birth proof.
Lok Sabha polls to be held between April and June
Lok Sabha elections will be held in seven phases, beginning on April 19. The results for all elections, including by-elections, assembly elections, and general elections will be announced on June 4. With this announcement, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) is now in effect. It will stay in place until the Lok Sabha election results are declared. The tenure of the current Lok Sabha ends on June 16, and a new House has to be constituted before that.