Election Commission allows those above 17 yrs to apply in advance for voter IDs

Hyderabad: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has called for advance registration of voters who are above 17 years of age. The existing rule is that they can apply once they complete 18 years of age on 1 January of a year. But according to the new rule, advance applications will be allowed on 1 January, 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October.

After registration, the person will be issued an Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC).

Electoral revision with user-friendly forms

Those who will be 18 years by 1 April, 1 July, and 1 October can submit their advance applications. These new dates have been announced keeping in mind voters who have completed 18 years and want to exercise their voting franchise. There are new user-friendly online registration forms that will be available from 1 August 2022.

Link Aadhaar to voter ID

A time-bound drive will start on 1 August 2022 for the collection of Aadhaar numbers of existing electors. The objective is to establish the identities of electors and authenticate them with entries in the electoral roll.

The government said Aadhaar numbers are not compulsory and will be voluntary in nature.

More involvement of political parties

The booth-level involvement of political parties is expected to increase as the number of voters will rise. Personal verification, details, and also the involvement of Resident Welfare Associations in the voting process are bound to be impacted as more youngsters enroll. The government is looking at this drive as a means where the youth will come out and participate in the process of exercising their right to vote.