In India, exercising your right to vote is a crucial responsibility. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a voluntary process to link your Voter ID, also known as Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC), with your Aadhaar card. This linking helps streamline the electoral roll and potentially reduces duplication of entries. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to link your Aadhaar card with your Voter ID through various methods.
How to link Aadhaar with Voter ID?
There are two ways to link your Aadhaar with your Voter ID through the Voter Service Portal (https://voters.eci.gov.in/) or the Voter Helpline App.
Voter Service Portal
- Visit the portal and in the ‘Forms’ section click on ‘Form 6B’
- Register or log in using your mobile number and password
- Enter your Aadhaar details
- Submit the form after verifying the information
Voter helpline app
- Download the app from the Google Play Store or App Store
- Choose ‘Voter Registration’ and then ‘Electoral Authentication Form (Form 6B)’
- Enter your registered mobile number and verify with the OTP
- Enter your Voter ID details and Aadhaar number
- Submit the form after confirmation
How to link Voter ID with Aadhaar through SMS?
For those without internet access, a simple SMS option is available:
- Compose a new message on your phone
- In the message body, type: ECILINKYour EPIC NumberYour Aadhaar Number
- Send the message to 166 or 51969
How to link Voter ID with Aadhaar Card offline?
You can also link your Aadhaar with your Voter ID offline by visiting your nearest Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) office or Voter Help Centre. Here is what you need to do:
- Carry a photocopy of your EPIC card and Aadhaar Card
- Collect Form 6B from the ERO office
- Fill out the form with your details and Aadhaar number
- Submit the completed form along with photocopies of your documents to the ERO
Process to link an Aadhaar Card to voter ID via the Voter Helpline app?
Here is a simplified guide to linking your Aadhaar card with your voter ID (EPIC) through the Voter Helpline app:
- Download the app: Get the Voter Helpline app from either the Google Play Store (Android) or the App Store (iOS).
- Head to voter registration: Once downloaded and set up, locate the ‘Voter Registration’ section within the app.
- Start the linking process: Within Voter Registration, find the option for ‘Electoral Authentication Form (Form 6B)’ and click ‘Let's Start.’
- Verify your Aadhaar mobile number: Enter the mobile number officially linked to your Aadhaar card. You will receive a one-time password (OTP) on this number. Enter the OTP and click ‘Verify.’
- Confirm voter ID ownership: Choose ‘Yes, I have Voter ID’ and proceed. Enter your voter ID number (EPIC) along with any other required details.
- Link your Aadhaar: Click ‘Proceed’ and enter your Aadhaar number, place of authentication (where you usually live), and the same mobile number linked to your Aadhaar. Click ‘Done.’
- Review and submit: Double-check all information entered. If everything looks accurate, click ‘Confirm’ to submit your Form 6B. You will receive a reference number to track the application's status.
Remember, this process is voluntary but can streamline the voting experience.
Benefits of voter ID
Here are some advantages of having a voter ID card:
- Preventing electoral forgery: A voter ID card contains your name, father’s name, sex, date of birth, address, and photograph. It serves as a reliable proof of your identity, age, and place of residence, which helps prevent electoral fraud during voting.
- Maintaining election integrity: Voter ID cards play a crucial role in increasing the integrity and legitimacy of the electoral process. Having a unique identification number corresponding to the voter registration form helps control the stock of forms and associated cards.
- Standardizing voting procedures: Voter ID cards provide a standardised method for verifying voters’ identities at polling stations, ensuring consistency across elections.
- Enhancing voter confidence: When voters present their ID cards, it enhances their confidence in the election process, knowing that their vote is secure and valid.
- Facilitating voter verification: During elections, voter ID cards help election officials verify voters’ identities quickly and efficiently, streamlining the voting process.
Conclusion
Linking your Aadhaar with your Voter ID is a straightforward process. By utilising the online, SMS, or offline methods mentioned above, you can contribute to a more streamlined and efficient electoral system. Remember, linking your Aadhaar is voluntary.
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