THE NEWS FREEDOM
CHANDIGARH, MARCH 22
Ahead of the Lok Sabha Elections 2024 in Punjab, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has broadened the spectrum of accepted identification documents for voters. In addition to the traditional Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC), voters now have the option to present 12 supplementary documents as proof of identity when casting their ballots on June 1. This strategic move aims to streamline the voting process and ensure inclusivity by accommodating individuals who may not possess an EPIC.
According to Punjab’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Sibin C, voters who lack an EPIC can still participate in the electoral process by presenting any of the following alternative documents: Aadhaar card, MGNREGA job card, Bank or Post office passbooks with photographs, Health insurance smart card issued under the Ministry of Labour scheme, driving license, PAN card, Smart card issued by RGI under NPR, Indian Passport, Pension documents with photograph, service ID cards (with photograph) issued by Central or State governments or Public Sector Undertakings/Public limited Companies, official identity card issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, and Unique Disability ID (UDID) issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India.
CEO Sibin C emphasized the significance of robust voter participation in realizing the Election Commission’s objective of “Is Vaar 70 Paar” (Crossing the 70% Mark). He urged all eligible voters to actively engage in the democratic process and exercise their right to vote in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.