Significance of Voter ID and How Can You Get Yours?

The need for Voter ID has always been there. India's democratic set up is unique in that it holds elections for its legislative bodies at the national, state and district levels. In order to vote, voters need to have a photo ID, which will help them prove their identity before casting their votes.

What is a Voter ID?

A Voter ID is proof of identity and address. It is issued by the Election Commission of India, and it is a compulsory document for all voters. You can use your Voter ID to vote in elections, get government services like education or healthcare, apply for bank loans, and even open bank accounts.

What is the difference between a Voter ID and an Election Card?

A Voter ID card is a document issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to all those who are above 18 years of age and want to vote in the elections.

A voter card is also called as an election card or polling station slip. This shows your name, address and details about your gender, caste/religion etc., as per rules laid down by ECI.

Voter ID cards can be obtained at any government office or post office in India where they issue ration cards or passports

How to apply for a Voter ID?

You can apply for a voter ID online, offline or at the local election office.

Online:

You can apply for your Voter ID online by visiting the official website of Election Commission of India (ECI).

Offline:

If you don’t have internet access then you can go to any government offices that offer voter ID services. You will have to fill up an application form and submit it along with photocopies of documents like PAN card and passport etc., in person or by post depending on availability of staff members at these offices

Documents required for Voter ID registration

1. Voter ID card is a mandatory document for casting your vote in the elections. The Voter ID card is issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the Representation of People Act, 1950.

2. A voter can get his/her name registered with an Election Commission office or through any post office branch that offers services like registration and issue of new Aadhaar cards if he/she has any one or more documents to prove his identity as per section 17(A)(iii) of Representation of People Act 1950.

India's democratic set-up is unique

India is a federal constitutional republic. The country's democratic set up is unique in that it holds elections for its legislative bodies at the national, state and district levels.

The Lok Sabha (Lower House) consists of 545 seats with members elected by direct polls in single-member constituencies using first-past-the-post (FPTP) system. The Rajya Sabha (Upper House) has 245 seats with members elected by FPTP on the basis of proportional representation: one seat from each state and two seats from each union territory or UT.

Conclusion

India is a democratic country, where the people vote for their representatives to make laws and oversee the affairs of their country. Elections are held every five years on a fixed date and citizens have to be registered in order to participate. Registering as a voter can be done online or through post offices, which offer services such as issuing an Aadhaar card (Aadhaar Card) or Voter ID card (voter ID). The process involves filling out forms with personal details like name, address etc., along with any documents required by your state government (like birth certificate). If you don't have these documents then they may help take care of some of your requirements - e.g., if you're applying for admission into school so long as there is proof that you were born before December 31st 1997 then they should accept this document instead.

FAQs

What papers do I need to provide as evidence of age?

You can submit a variety of documents as evidence of age. You may select any of the following:

1. A birth certificate issued by a Municipal Authority or a district office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths; or

2. Birth certificate from the applicant's most recent government/accredited school or other recognized educational institution; or

3. If a person has a class 10 or higher pass, he must provide a copy of his class 10- or 12-mark sheet, if it shows his date of birth, as evidence of his date of birth.

4. Marksheet of class 8 if it has a date of birth; or

5. Marksheet of class 5 if it provides a date of birth; or

6. A certificate of his age issued by a sarpanch of the respective Gram Panchayat or a member of the concerned Municipal Corporation / Municipal Committee, the individual has not completed class ten, and both parents are deceased.

7. Any other government proof demonstrating age, such as a passport.

How can a person become a voter if he or she does not have any proof of age, picture, residence, or identity?

The individual can vote if he is an ordinary resident of the provided address, is above the age of 18 on the qualifying date, and is not banned from voting. Age evidence is necessary for candidates between the ages of 18 and 21 years old, according to ECI guidelines. The applicant must either send a photograph affixed to the application Form or be photographed directly at the Voter Center. If the applicant does not have evidence of residence or identification, the verifying officer, i.e., BLO, may call witnesses from the applicant's neighborhood to verify the applicant's domicile and identity.