Today (April 19) marks the first day of polling in Lok Sabha Elections 2024. The stage is set for phase 1 voting on 102 constituencies across 21 states from 7 AM to 5 PM. All Indian citizens above the age of 18 and registered on the electoral role are eligible to cast their votes. Voters must have their voter cards along with them at the booth if they wish to cast their votes. The Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) is used for identifying the voters at the booth, so that one cannot cast a vote on behalf of someone else. But can you vote if you have lost your voter card or if you forgot your ID card at home? The answer is yes. Here’s how:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has confirmed that you can exercise your right to vote even without your physical ID card. However, voters must verify if their name is included in the official voter list by the Election Commission.
Here's how to check if your name is on the electoral roll:
1. Visit https://voters.eci.gov.in/ and click on "search in electoral roll."
2. Select your state and language.
3. Enter your details and captcha code.
4. Click on "search" to see if your name appears on the electoral roll
If your name is on the electoral roll, then you can cast your vote with any of these 12 documents:
- Aadhar Card
- PAN Card
- Unique Disability ID i.e. UDID
- Service ID Card
- Passbook issued by Post Office or Bank
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued by Labor Ministry
- Driving License
- Passport
- Smart Card issued by RGI under National Population Register (NPR)
- Pension Card
- Official ID Card issued for MP-MLAs
- MLC MNREGA Job Card
Polling for phase 1 starts today i.e. April 19. Polling will take place in these states and UTs: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, West Bengal, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Jammu and Kashmir, Lakshadweep, Puducherry.