Maharashtra Assembly Election: In the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, voters without a Voter ID can still cast their vote, as the Election Commission has provided clear guidelines on alternative identification methods. If your name is on the voter list and you can produce a valid alternate photo ID, you are eligible to vote even without a Voter ID.
Valid ID Documents Accepted for Voting
If you do not have your Voter ID, the Election Commission accepts the following documents as valid for identity verification:
- Aadhaar Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Bank or Post Office Passbook with a photograph
- Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the Ministry of Labour
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued by the Registrar General of India under the National Population Register
In addition, voters can also present other approved documents such as:
- Indian Passport
- Pension document with a photograph
- Service ID cards issued by Central or State Governments or Public Sector Undertakings
- Official identity cards of MPs, MLAs, or members of the Legislative Council
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice
Special Rules for Overseas Voters
For Indian citizens living abroad who have registered as voters using their Indian passport, only the original passport will be accepted as a valid ID at the polling station. No other document will be considered.
Minor Errors on Voter ID
The Election Commission has also clarified that minor errors, such as spelling mistakes on the Voter ID, will not prevent voters from exercising their right to vote, as long as their identity is verified.
Furthermore, if a voter presents a Voter ID from a different constituency but their name appears on the voter list of the current polling station, the document will be accepted.
Importance of Guidelines for the 2024 Elections
As this year’s elections are spread across seven phases, it is crucial for voters to be aware of these guidelines. In addition to Maharashtra, states like Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh will also be holding assembly elections, making these rules applicable across the country.
