Own Two Voter IDs? How to Cancel One From Home — A Simple, Legal Guide

Introduction

If you discover you hold more than one voter identity card (EPIC), act immediately. Keeping duplicate voter IDs can be treated as a criminal offence under Indian election law and may attract penalties. The good news: cancelling the extra entry is straightforward and can be done from home using official digital services or by filing the correct form with your local electoral office. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide that explains the legal risk and shows exactly how to get the duplicate removed safely and quickly.

Why you must cancel a duplicate EPIC

Registering in more than one electoral roll or holding two valid EPICs undermines the integrity of the voter list and is explicitly addressed by law. Under the Representation of the People Act, registering in multiple constituencies or holding multiple entries can lead to prosecution and penalties. This is why the Election Commission provides an established deletion process for duplicate entries. India Code+1

Quick checklist — what you need before you start

• Your primary EPIC number (the card you want to keep).

• Details of the duplicate EPIC (if available).

• Scanned ID proof (Aadhaar, passport, or other identity proof) and a recent photo if asked.

• A mobile number or email to receive acknowledgement/reference number.
  Having these ready speeds up the deletion process.

Two safe ways to cancel a duplicate voter entry (from home)

Option 1 — Use the Election Commission’s online portals (fastest option)

1. Visit the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP) or the Voter Services Portal run by the Election Commission of India. You can also use the Voter Helpline mobile app. Voters' Services Portal+1

2. Look for the service to raise an objection or request deletion of name (often listed as Form 7: “Application for Objection/Deletion”). Fill the online Form 7 and choose “duplication” or “already enrolled” as the reason if that option is present. CEO JK

3. Upload supporting documents if the portal asks (ID proof that proves your correct address/EPIC). Submit and note the reference number shown after submission.

4. The Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will process the request; you can track the status using the reference number.

Option 2 — File Form 7 (offline via email/ERO)

1. Download and complete Form 7 (available on election office websites). Clearly state that deletion is requested because of duplicate enrollment. CEO JK

2. Send the filled form with scans of ID proofs and both EPICs (if you have both) to your Electoral Registration Officer by email or submit it at the ERO office if needed.

3. Keep the acknowledgement/receipt and follow up if you don’t receive confirmation within the expected time.

After you apply — what to expect

Once your deletion request is submitted, the ERO will verify details and records. If duplication is confirmed, the duplicate entry will be deleted from the electoral rolls and you will receive confirmation. You may be asked to provide additional information or appear for verification in rare cases.

Legal consequences if you do nothing

Possessing two EPICs or being enrolled at two places can be treated as an offence under the Representation of the People Act; historical and recent advisories from election authorities warn of penalties including fines and imprisonment in serious cases. That is why proactive correction is important — avoid complications by getting the duplicate removed. India Code+1

Practical tips and common questions

• If one of the cards is an e-EPIC (digital) and the other a physical card, treat them the same — duplication still needs correction. Chief Electoral Officer Delhi

• If you genuinely moved residence, consider submitting Form 6 for shifting and let the old listing be deleted through standard procedures.

• Always keep the acknowledgement/reference number after filing — it is your proof of action and helps in follow-up.

Final word

Duplicate voter entries are fixable, and the Election Commission has made the process accessible online to protect both your legal standing and the integrity of the roll. Don’t ignore it — use the NVSP or Form 7 today and clear up the duplicate to stay on the right side of the law. For authoritative forms and portal access, start at the Election Commission’s voter services portal. Voters' Services Portal+1

Sources & references: Election Commission of India voter services portal; Form 7 (Application for Objection/Deletion); Representation of the People Act.