Bihar Voters Can Now Use 12 ID Cards Instead of EPIC
Election Commission enhances accessibility for Bihar polls.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a significant policy change for the upcoming Bihar assembly elections and bye-polls in eight constituencies, effective October 7, 2025. Eligible voters may now utilize any of 12 alternative photo-bearing identity documents in lieu of the Electors’ Photo Identity Card (EPIC) for voter verification at polling stations. This adjustment addresses concerns related to voter identification, electoral roll revisions, and potential impersonation, ensuring broader participation in the democratic process.
Pursuant to the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, the ECI has traditionally relied on EPICs to maintain electoral integrity. With nearly 100% EPIC coverage among Bihar’s voters, the Commission is expediting the distribution of new cards to recently added voters within 15 days of the final electoral roll publication. For those without immediate access to an EPIC, the approved alternatives include: Aadhaar cards, MNREGA job cards, bank or post office passbooks with photographs, health insurance smart cards, driving licenses, PAN cards, Indian passports, pension payment orders with photos, government employee service IDs, official identity cards for MPs, MLAs, and MLCs, and Unique Disability ID (UDID) cards. Eligibility remains contingent upon registration in the electoral roll.
This policy shift follows heightened scrutiny of voter verification processes. Bihar BJP president Dilip Jaiswal recently petitioned the ECI to enforce rigorous checks, particularly for purdanasheen women wearing burqas, to prevent impersonation. He advocated for face-matching with EPIC photographs and suggested paramilitary deployment in vulnerable areas to protect weaker sections from coercion.
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In contrast, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) spokesperson Abhay Kushwaha characterized the BJP’s request as a strategic maneuver to influence electoral outcomes. He cited the recent Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, which updated voter photographs, and challenged the deletion of 3.66 lakh names, demanding transparency. The RJD also urged the ECI to restrict unbudgeted populist announcements by the NDA government and regulate campaign conduct, amid tensions between the Mahagathbandhan and NDA alliances.
To accommodate purdanasheen women observing purdah, the ECI has implemented special arrangements, including the presence of female officers and attendants at polling stations to facilitate private identity verification. This measure aligns with efforts to enhance female voter turnout, which remains variable across Bihar’s conservative regions.
Analysts view these changes as a strategic enhancement of electoral integrity and inclusivity. With 243 assembly seats and eight bye-poll constituencies at stake, the policy could significantly impact voter participation in a highly competitive electoral landscape. The ECI has yet to announce polling dates, but preparations are underway to ensure a transparent and accessible voting process.
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