How to vote if you don't have Voter ID card?

The right to vote is an inalienable part of a citizen’s rights in a democracy. However it is subject to certain conditions laid down by the state. An electoral franchise also strengthens participatory democracy, allowing common man’s concerns to be aired in the Indian legislature, and then enacted into laws.

Even if you do not have a voter ID card, it is imperative that you're registered as a voter, and your name appears on the electoral rolls.

To get registered as a voter, you have to submit a filled in Form-6 to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of your assembly constituency after which your name will be included in the electoral roll as a voter. One can submit Form-6 both online and offline.


One of the following 11 specified photo identity documents is required for casting your vote, in case you do not have your voter ID card, or EPIC:

• Passport
• Driving licence
• Service identity cards with photograph issued to employees by central/state govt./PSU/public limited company
• Passbook with photograph issued by a state bank or post office
• PAN card
• Smart card issued by RGI under NPR
• MNREGA job card
• Health Insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
• Pension document with photograph
• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs, etc.
• Aadhaar card

Once a citizen is eligible to vote and has enrolled, a voter slip from the ECI will be issued that confirms the name on the voter list. This slip, along with a stipulated photo ID proof, can act as a voter card, in case one does not have a voter ID card.

The Election Commission of India has made voter identification mandatory at the time of polls - you have to show your Voter ID Card issued by the ECI or any other documentary proof allowed by the ECI in order to be able to vote. Also, having your voter ID card does not mean that you will definitely be allowed to vote.

It is required that your name should appear on the electoral rolls. Once you have found your name on the electoral roll and you also possess an identification document prescribed above by the ECI (the voter ID card or any other acceptable document), you will be allowed to vote.