As Bihar gears up for assembly elections, several cases have come to light where leaders and citizens were found possessing two voter ID cards. The Election Commission has taken note of these instances, issuing notices and launching investigations. Holding multiple voter IDs is a punishable offence under the law.
Why Having Two Voter IDs Is a Crime
A voter ID card is not just an identification document but also a key proof of a citizen’s right to vote. It is issued by the Election Commission and is essential for participation in elections. If a person intentionally obtains and keeps more than one voter ID card, it is considered electoral fraud and threatens the fairness of the democratic process.
What the Law Says
The Representation of the People Act, 1950 and 1951, clearly restricts individuals from possessing multiple voter IDs:
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Section 17: Prohibits registration in more than one constituency.
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Section 18: Prohibits multiple registrations within the same constituency.
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Section 31: Provides for punishment—up to one year of imprisonment, a fine, or both—if a person deliberately provides false information or holds two voter IDs.
Legal experts note that while in some cases the Election Commission issues notices without further action, deliberate violations can lead to strict penalties.
What to Do If You Have Two Voter IDs by Mistake
If you unintentionally end up with more than one voter ID—for instance, after moving to a new city—it is your responsibility to surrender or cancel the extra card.
You can do this in the following ways:
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Online via ECI/NVSP portal
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Visit voterportal.eci.gov.in or nvsp.in.
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Log in and fill Form 7 (Deletion of Name) to cancel the old voter ID.
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Through the Voter Helpline App
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Download the official app, log in, and submit a deletion request using Form 7.
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By promptly cancelling the duplicate, you not only avoid legal trouble but also help ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
