The Bihar Assembly Election 2025 will make voting easier and more inclusive for citizens across the state. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced that voters whose names appear on the electoral roll can cast their vote even if they don’t have a Voter ID (EPIC) card.
Voters can now use any of the 12 alternative photo identity documents approved by the commission to exercise their right to vote.
Voters Can Use 12 Photo ID Documents Instead of Voter ID
The ECI’s decision ensures that no eligible voter is denied their right to vote due to the absence of a Voter ID. Any registered voter can show one of the 12 approved identity documents to confirm their identity at the polling station.
These include Aadhaar Card, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport, and even photo passbooks issued by banks or post offices. The commission has also instructed all Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) to ensure that newly registered voters receive their Voter ID cards within 15 days of the final publication of the electoral roll.
List of 12 Alternative Photo IDs Allowed by ECI
If a voter does not have their EPIC card during the Bihar Assembly Election 2025, they can show any one of the following documents at the polling booth to cast their vote:
- Aadhaar Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with Photo
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour Scheme or Ayushman Bharat
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued under National Population Register (NPR)
- Indian Passport
- Pension Document with Photograph
- Service ID Card issued by Central/State Government, Public Sector Units, or Public Limited Companies
- Official Identity Card issued to MPs, MLAs, or MLCs
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
Name on Voter List is Mandatory
The Election Commission has clearly stated that only those citizens whose names are listed in the official electoral roll can vote, regardless of which ID they carry. This step ensures that the verification process remains transparent and secure while making it convenient for all eligible voters.
Special Arrangements for ‘Pardanashin’ Women
The ECI has also issued instructions for the respectful and secure verification of ‘Pardanashin’ women (those who wear a veil or burqa). Female polling officers or attendants will carry out their identification privately to maintain dignity and privacy during the voting process.
Objective Behind the Decision
The ECI’s move aims to make the voting process more transparent, inclusive, and voter-friendly. By allowing multiple forms of photo identification, the commission ensures that every eligible citizen can participate in the democratic process without any hurdles.
