Electors Photo Identity Card

Also called: EPIC, Voter ID card · Topic: Elections and the Electoral System · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 5 "Universal Franchise and India's Electoral System"

Meaning

The Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC), or voter ID card, is a photo identity card that the Election Commission of India gives to registered voters. It was introduced from 1993, when T.N. Seshan was Chief Election Commissioner. Its purpose is to stop impersonation, which means voting in someone else's name. It is not the only way to prove identity, because other approved documents are also valid for voting.

Example

At the booth, the first polling officer checks the voter's name on the roll and looks at their EPIC or another approved ID. Only then does the voter move on to have their finger inked.

Don't confuse with

• Electoral roll: the list itself. A person who has an EPIC but whose name is not on the roll cannot vote.

Related concepts

• Representation of the People Act 1950
• Electoral roll
• Qualifying date
• Ordinary residence
• Overseas elector
• Electoral Registration Officer
• Booth Level Officer
• Summary revision of electoral rolls
• Special Intensive Revision

Read more

• Electoral rolls: registration, revision and the Special Intensive Revision