: Lok Sabha Elections 2024 Begin: 11 Alternative Documents for Voting Without a Voter ID Card

As India gears up for the Lok Sabha Elections 2024, ensuring access to voting for all eligible citizens remains a paramount concern. While possessing a Voter ID card is the most common form of identification for casting votes, there are alternative documents that can be used in case individuals do not have a Voter ID card. Here are 11 such alternative documents:

  1. Aadhaar Card: The Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as a valid proof of identity and address. Individuals can present their Aadhaar card at the polling booth to exercise their right to vote.
  2. Passport: A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that also serves as a valid form of identification for voting purposes. Individuals can present their passport as proof of identity at the polling station.
  3. Driving License: A valid driving license issued by the Regional Transport Office (RTO) can be used as an alternative document for voting. It contains the individual’s photograph, name, and address, serving as a reliable form of identification.
  4. PAN Card: The Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, issued by the Income Tax Department, is another acceptable document for voting. It contains the individual’s unique PAN number, along with their photograph and personal details.
  5. Ration Card: The Ration Card, issued by the state government’s Food and Civil Supplies Department, can be used as a proof of identity and address for voting purposes. It is commonly possessed by households for availing subsidized food grains.
  6. Bank Passbook with Photograph: A bank passbook containing the individual’s photograph, along with their name and address, can serve as an alternative document for voting. It provides a reliable means of identification.
  7. Employee ID Card: Employees of government or private organizations can present their employee ID card as a valid proof of identity for voting. The ID card typically contains the individual’s photograph and details of their employer.
  8. Pension Document with Photograph: Pensioners can present their pension document, which includes their photograph and details, as a valid form of identification for voting purposes.
  9. Health Insurance Card: Health insurance cards issued by government or private insurers, containing the individual’s photograph and personal details, can be used as an alternative document for voting.
  10. NREGA Job Card: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) job card, issued to rural households for accessing employment under the scheme, can serve as a proof of identity and address for voting.
  11. Identity Certificate Issued by Gazetted Officer: In cases where individuals do not possess any of the aforementioned documents, they can obtain an identity certificate issued by a gazetted officer, verifying their identity and address.

It is essential for voters to carry one of these alternative documents to the polling booth to ensure smooth and hassle-free voting during the Lok Sabha Elections 2024. These alternative documents help facilitate greater inclusivity and participation in the democratic process, ensuring that every eligible citizen can exercise their right to vote.