EC Action on Duplicate Voter ID Numbers

Reports surfaced about electors from different States receiving identical Voter ID (EPIC) numbers.

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) clarified that a voter can only cast their vote at their designated polling station.
• The Commission assured that all voters would receive a unique EPIC number to prevent duplications.

About Electors Photo Identification Card (EPIC)

• The EPIC (Electors Photo Identification Card) is a 10-digit alphanumeric number assigned to each registered voter by the ECI.
• It is used for identification during elections but does not grant voting rights outside the designated constituency.

Election Commission’s Role in Voter List Management

• ECI ensures free and fair elections by preventing electoral fraud and duplication.
• The ECI is responsible for maintaining, updating, and ensuring the accuracy of the electoral roll.
• Voter registration, migration, and deletion of names are managed through the ERONET platform.

About ERONET

• ERONET (Electoral Roll Management System) is a web-based solution developed for election officials to handle voter registration, migration, and deletion processes.
• It replaces disparate state-specific applications with a single unified database (UNPER) covering 95+ crore electors across all States and UTs.
• Ensures accurate electoral rolls by preventing duplicate and multiple entries of voters.

Key Features of ERONET

• Unified National Database : Single database for all States/UTs.
• Multi-language Support: Works in 14 languages and 11 scripts.
• Integration with Multiple Platforms: Accepts voter forms via Voter Helpline App, BLO App, and Voter Portal.
• Automated Form Processing: Standardizes registration, verification, and electoral roll printing.
• PSE and DSE Reports: Uses AI to detect Photo Similar Entries (PSE) & Demographic Similar Entries (DSE) for refining voter lists.
• Performance Monitoring : Tracks form progress and provides analytical reports for decision-making.
• Supports Electoral Laws: Aligns with the Representation of the People Act, 1950, ensuring electoral roll accuracy before elections.

Issue of Duplicate EPIC Numbers

• Some electors from different States were assigned identical EPIC numbers, leading to concerns over voter duplication.
• The issue arose due to the decentralized manual system used before the adoption of the ERONET platform.
• This led to certain State/UT CEO offices issuing the same EPIC alphanumeric series, causing duplicate numbers.

ECI’s Response and Measures

• The ERONET 2.0 platform will be updated to ensure unique EPIC numbers for all voters.
• Any existing duplicate EPIC numbers will be rectified with new unique identifiers.
• Despite identical EPIC numbers, each voter can only vote in their registered constituency as per the electoral roll.