Aadhaar Now Counts as Voter ID in Bihar Elections
EC mandates Aadhaar as 12th voter identity document.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed Bihar’s election authorities to accept Aadhaar cards as an additional document to verify voter identities, following a Supreme Court order. This decision, communicated in a letter to Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, establishes Aadhaar as the 12th acceptable document alongside the existing 11 listed for voter identification.
The ECI emphasized that Aadhaar will serve solely as proof of identity, not citizenship, in line with Section 9 of the Aadhaar (Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act. This aligns with Section 23(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which already recognizes Aadhaar as a valid identity document for electoral purposes. The directive comes as part of preparations for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in Bihar, ensuring a robust and inclusive voter verification process.
The Supreme Court, in a ruling on Monday, September 8, 2025, mandated the inclusion of Aadhaar as a voter identity proof in Bihar’s electoral roll revision exercise, with a deadline for implementation by September 9. The ECI has warned that any failure to comply with this directive will be treated with utmost seriousness, signaling strict enforcement.
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This step is expected to streamline voter identification, particularly in Bihar, where elections demand rigorous identity verification to prevent fraud. By adding Aadhaar to the list, the ECI aims to enhance accessibility for voters while maintaining the integrity of the electoral process. However, the Commission reiterated that Aadhaar’s use is limited to identity verification, addressing concerns about its potential misuse in determining citizenship status.
As Bihar gears up for upcoming polls, this directive could set a precedent for other states, potentially reshaping how voter identities are verified nationwide. The ECI’s proactive compliance with the Supreme Court’s order underscores its commitment to fair and transparent elections.
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