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The ECI alert come after several reports of people holding many Voter ID cards. Bihar has seen many politicians and citizens being registered in more than one constituency
By surrendering duplicates voluntarily, voters can avoid legal consequences and help maintain the fairness of elections, per the ECI. (Image: Shutterstock)
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has sounded a warning for voters: holding more than one voter identity card. What some may see as a minor oversight can actually lead to serious consequences, including up to one year in prison, a fine, or both, under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
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Why The Warning
The ECI’s alert comes at a time when reports of people holding multiple voter IDs have been steadily rising. During the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, several cases surfaced of politicians and ordinary citizens being registered in more than one constituency.
For example, the BJP lodged a complaint against Congress leader Pawan Khera, alleging he was listed as a voter in two places. The ECI issued him a notice, while the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) in New Delhi also acted on similar complaints against other individuals.
These cases highlight a loophole that the ECI wants to close before upcoming elections, as duplicate entries undermine the integrity of India’s voter rolls.
How Duplicate IDs Happen
Sometimes, duplicates are created by mistake—people move to a new city or constituency and apply for a fresh card instead of updating their existing one. In other cases, deliberate attempts are made to keep voter IDs in multiple locations for electoral advantage.
Either way, the law is clear: every citizen can hold only one valid EPIC card, linked to a single constituency.
What To Do If You Have More Than One Voter ID
The ECI has urged citizens to act quickly if they find themselves holding more than one card. The process is straightforward:
- Surrender duplicate cards using Form-7, available at local election offices or online.
- Through this form, voters can request deletion of their name from the extra constituency.
- Digital services like e-EPIC (downloadable digital voter ID) also make it easier to update records without visiting offices in person.
- By surrendering duplicates voluntarily, voters can avoid legal consequences and help maintain the fairness of elections.
The Pawan Khera Example
Pawan Khera, however, has criticised the ECI for its handling of his case. He said that he had already applied in 2016 to have his name deleted from New Delhi’s voter list. But despite revisions during four elections, it still appears. He accused the commission of negligence, claiming that its inability to clean up electoral rolls is what allows duplication issues to persist.
The ECI, however, insists it is working to maintain accuracy. Officials argue that newer digital systems are meant to fix these problems, but voters also need to take responsibility and use the available tools to correct their records.
Why It Matters
Duplicate voter IDs are more than just a paperwork issue. They can be exploited for vote theft, fraud, and manipulation of election outcomes, striking at the very foundation of India’s democracy. That is why the commission has tightened its stance and made it clear that ignorance will not be an excuse.
For ordinary citizens, the takeaway is simple: Check your records, surrender extra cards, and keep only one valid voter ID. It not only saves you from legal trouble but also strengthens the electoral system that India depends on.
About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d…Read More
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, the Desk d… Read More
September 05, 2025, 13:46 IST
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