Jamshedpur: As Ghatshila gears up for the Assembly by-election scheduled on November 11, 2025, the District Election Office has reminded voters that they can cast their votes even if they do not possess their Voter Photo Identity Card (EPIC) on polling day. To ensure that no eligible voter is deprived of their democratic right, the Election Commission has allowed the use of 12 alternative photo-bearing identity documents for identification at polling stations.
According to official instructions, voters can establish their identity using any one of the following documents: Passport, Driving License, Photo Identity Card issued to employees by the State or Central Government/Public Sector Undertakings/Public Limited Companies, Photo Passbook issued by Bank or Post Office, PAN Card, Card issued under the National Population Register (NPR), MNREGA Job Card, Health Insurance Smart Card (Ministry of Labour), Photo Pension Document, Aadhaar Card, Identity Card issued to Members of Parliament/Members of Legislative Assembly/Councillors, or the Unique Disability ID (UDID) card.
District Election Officer Karn Satyarthi stated that the provision of multiple identification options is aimed at facilitating greater voter participation and ensuring inclusivity in the electoral process. He urged all voters to verify their polling details in advance and carry any of the valid ID documents to the polling station.
Polling officials have been instructed to strictly verify the authenticity of each document before allowing voters to cast their ballots. The Election Commission has reiterated that the absence of the EPIC will not prevent any registered voter from exercising their franchise, provided they can produce one of the approved identity proofs.
With this clarification, the Election Office aims to promote maximum voter turnout in the Ghatshila by-election and uphold the spirit of free and fair elections.
