In order to ensure that all the voters and staff are informed about the electoral photo identity card (EPIC) and the 12 alternative documents that can be used on Election Day, District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal has announced that either the EPIC or one of the 12 alternative identity documents can be presented by voters to cast their votes on 21st December.
As per Election Commission of India, the EPIC commonly referred to as a voter card, can be supplemented by the 12 alternative identity documents.
Here’s a list of 12 alternative identity documents:
1. Passport
2. Driving License
3. Service Identity Card with a photograph, issued to employees by Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Public Limited Companies
4. Passbook issued by a Bank/Post Office that contains a photograph
5. PAN Card
6. Ration Card/Blue Card
7. MGNREGA Card
8. Freedom Fighter Identity Card
9. Health Insurance Smart Card issued by the Ministry of Labour
10. Pension Document with a photograph
11. Identity Cards issued to Members of Parliament/Legislative Assemblies
12. Aadhaar Card
However, DC has encouraged the voters to carry the EPIC or the voter identity card as their first preference. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner also mentioned that, according to the orders of the State Election Commission, minor discrepancies in the voter identity card such as errors in the voter's name, father's/mother's/husband's name, sex, age, or address can be overlooked. Voters will still be allowed to cast their votes as long as their identity can be verified using that card.
He further stated that presiding officers have been briefed through special training about details of these alterative documents.