Voters Can Use 12 Alternative Photo IDs Apart from EPIC to Cast Vote: ECI
Voters can now use any of 12 alternative photo identity documents approved by the Election Commission for voting, including Aadhaar, Driving License, and PAN Card, apart from the EPIC.
Commission issues notification for Bihar Assembly and bye-elections; ensures privacy for women voters
New Delhi, October 11: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that voters whose names appear on the electoral roll can use any one of 12 alternative photo identity documents in place of the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC) to cast their vote during the upcoming Bihar Assembly elections and bye-elections in eight constituencies.
While EPICs have been issued to nearly all registered voters in these constituencies, the Commission said the provision aims to ensure that no eligible voter is denied the right to vote due to non-availability of the voter card.
The 12 approved photo ID alternatives are: Aadhaar Card, MNREGA Job Card, Bank or Post Office Passbook with photograph, Health Insurance Smart Card (including Ayushman Bharat Card), Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension Document with photograph, Service Identity Cards (issued by Central/State Governments, PSUs, or Public Limited Companies), Official ID cards of MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The Commission reiterated that the presence of a voter’s name on the electoral roll remains mandatory for voting, regardless of the identity proof used.
To encourage participation among ‘purdanasheen’ women voters—those who wear burqa or purdah—the ECI has directed polling officials to make special arrangements for dignified identification in the presence of lady polling officers or attendants, ensuring privacy and comfort.
The notification, issued on October 7, 2025, is part of the Commission’s continuing efforts to make the voting process more inclusive, secure, and voter-friendly, an official statement said.
