A voter ID card is very important today as it helps to identify a person and certify his place of residence. Often, this identity card is needed to get loans, open an account, or apply for passports. Its basic job is however to ensure that the holder can cast his or her vote with ease in India.

Elections are held regularly in this democratic country. National leaders as well as state leaders are selected by the people and voted to power. For General Elections, State Assembly elections, election of the legislative assemblies, and councils, a voter card is required to substantiate the identity of the electorate.

Apply for Voter ID Card

To get a voter ID, one must apply through proper channels, fill up the right form, and submit the same along with other credentials to the right authorities. For instance, you only need to do the following tasks if you want to apply for voter ID online:

• Upload a recent colour photograph of around 350 KB
• Upload a form available at the website of Election Commission of India (ECI)

…Don’t forget to keep your address proof and identity proof documents in the house as the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) can send officials to check the documents.

How to Apply for Voter ID Online

You need to visit the ECI’s website and click the link which informs about voter ID online registration.  There will be many forms depending on your specification and you must select an appropriate form to apply for your voter ID. For instance:

Form 6: It is applicable to those who want to apply for a new voter card. You need to download the form and correctly fill-in the details. You should also:

• Attach two colour photographs of yourself
• Specify the details of the members in the family

… You also have to substantiate address proof and identity proof. For address proof, you can show your electricity bill or water bill, bank statement, or pan card. For age proof, you can show birth certificate, school certificate. Make sure you keep them handy and show it when official visit your home.

Form 8: It is applicable for those who have an existing voter ID card but want to change or modify the name or address in the form. Often, there are typo mistakes while sometimes a voter may have changed the address and want to update the new address information in the voter card. So, you just to need to fill in form 8 to change or modify the voter ID online.

Voters using Form 8 must need to:

• Certify the ID number of your voter ID card. This is the number at the top band of the card.
• Specify the changes or modifications in the card that you want
• Attach a colour photograph in case you want to have an updated photo in the card.

Once done, you need to click the Submit button. You should wait for a couple of months and try to find out how much time it will take to issue voter ID card. Getting an updated voter card will ensure that your name is listed in the voter roll.

Importance of Voter Cards

Voting is quite essential today as it is one and only method to select our leaders who can lead the country. The ECI and the CEO help to update voter rolls in all the constituencies to ensure voters can vote for their leaders. The voter ID cards are updated and summarily posted to the individuals.
Today, voter ID online registration process is effective and fast. In fact, you can find out the status of your voter ID online and don’t have to visit the election office in person. A voter ID also helps you to:

• Get tickets, or open accounts
• Identify your address and identity
• Avail all benefits that a voter from India will be able to have

Make sure you exercise your franchise each time, even if you change your residence or your name by updating your voter ID online.