New Delhi: As Bihar gears up for its Assembly elections, a startling revelation has put the spotlight on a serious electoral offence: the possession of multiple voter ID cards.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched investigations after reports surfaced of several individuals, including political leaders, holding duplicate voter IDs, a practice deemed illegal under the Representation of the People Act.
With notices issued and probes underway, the ECI is urging citizens to surrender extra voter IDs to avoid hefty penalties, including imprisonment.
A voter ID, or Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is more than just a document — it’s a cornerstone of India’s democratic process, enabling citizens to exercise their voting rights in elections ranging from local bodies to the Lok Sabha. However, holding more than one voter ID is not only a violation of electoral laws but also raises concerns about potential fraud that could undermine the fairness of the democratic system. With the Bihar elections on the horizon, the ECI’s crackdown signals a zero-tolerance approach to such violations.
A Crime With Consequences
According to legal experts, including Supreme Court advocates Gyanant Singh, Abhishek Roy, and Anupam Mishra, possessing multiple voter IDs is a serious offence under Sections 17, 18, and 31 of the Representation of the People Act. Offenders could face up to one year in prison, a substantial fine, or both. “The law is clear: one person, one voter ID,” said Singh. “Holding multiple cards, especially with intent to manipulate the electoral process, is considered electoral fraud and carries strict penalties.”
While the ECI has so far limited its actions to issuing notices in routine cases, failure to provide satisfactory explanations could lead to deeper investigations. In a notable case from Kerala earlier this year, a voter in Beypore, Kozhikode, faced a criminal case after being found with multiple voter IDs, with authorities suspecting deliberate attempts to tamper with the electoral roll. Such incidents underscore the gravity of the issue and the ECI’s resolve to maintain the integrity of the voter list.
Why Duplicate Voter IDs Are A Problem
The possession of multiple voter IDs, whether intentional or accidental, raises red flags about the potential for “bogus voting,” where individuals could cast multiple votes or enable others to do so fraudulently. This not only distorts election outcomes but also erodes public trust in the democratic process. The ECI has repeatedly emphasised that it is the responsibility of every voter to ensure they hold only one valid voter ID, linked to their current constituency of residence.
In Bihar, where political stakes are high, the discovery of duplicate voter IDs among leaders and citizens alike has sparked concerns about electoral malpractice. The ECI’s proactive measures aim to clean up the voter list before polling day, ensuring a level playing field for all candidates and parties.
How To Cancel Your Extra Voter ID
If you find yourself in possession of multiple voter IDs — perhaps due to an error during registration or relocation to a new constituency — the ECI has made it straightforward to rectify the situation. Here’s how you can surrender your extra voter ID and stay on the right side of the law:
Online Cancellation via ECI Website: Visit the National Voters’ Services Portal at voters.eci.gov.in. Log in or create an account, navigate to the “Deletion of Voter ID” section, and fill out Form 7 with details such as your voter ID number and the reason for cancellation (e.g., “Already Enrolled”). Attach scanned copies of supporting documents, such as your Aadhaar card or passport, and submit the form. You’ll receive a reference number to track the process.
Using The Voter Helpline App: Download the ECI’s Voter Helpline app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. Log in, select the option to cancel a duplicate voter ID, and follow the prompts to submit Form 7 digitally. This method is particularly convenient for tech-savvy users.
Offline Process: Visit your local Electoral Registration Office (ERO) to obtain and fill out Form 7. Provide details of both voter IDs, specify which one you wish to retain, and submit supporting documents like proof of identity and address. After verification, the ERO will cancel the duplicate card.
The ECI advises acting promptly to avoid legal repercussions, especially as election authorities intensify scrutiny ahead of the Bihar polls. Failure to surrender a duplicate voter ID could lead to notices, investigations, and, in severe cases, prosecution.
A Call For Electoral Integrity
The ECI’s crackdown is a reminder of the importance of maintaining a clean and accurate electoral roll. As India prepares for another high-stakes election season, citizens are urged to verify their voter status and ensure compliance with electoral laws. By surrendering duplicate voter IDs, individuals can contribute to a fair and transparent democratic process, safeguarding the sanctity of their vote.
For those unsure about their voter ID status, the ECI’s portal and app offer tools to check registration details and download e-EPIC cards, ensuring every eligible voter is ready to participate in the upcoming elections without legal entanglements.
As the Bihar Assembly elections approach, the message is clear: one voter, one vote, one ID.