EC mulls digital voter ID cards ahead of 2021 assembly polls

The Election Commission (EC) is now considering providing digital voter identity (ID) cards. So, very soon you could carry your voter ID on your mobile just like your boarding pass. The idea is to provide faster delivery and easy accessibility. Though, as of now, this is in a preliminary phase. And, before giving this proposal a green signal, EC has to look into the safety aspects to prevent the misuse of technology. 

According to media reports, digital voter identity cards may come up for the consideration before the assembly elections slated to be held in West Bengal, Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Puducherry in 2021.

Digital voter ID cards will cut down costs on printing

An electronic card will help the EC save costs on printing and distributing its hard copy. This will also be useful for the voters as the arrival of digital voter identity card will do away with the necessity of producing a voter slip on the Election Days.

In addition, with the availability of mobile phones across the length and breadth of the country, digital cards will be easy to dispatch to the voters to exercise their franchise. It will also be easy to keep.

Moreover, the picture of the voter will be clearer in the digital mode, while the physical voter ID card not only takes time in printing but also requires to be delivered to the voters.

The proposal to introduce digital voter identity card comes in the wake of easy availability of the Aadhaar card, driving license, PAN and Driving Licence (DL) in the electronic mode.

The election photo ID cards were introduced in 1993 for the first time and serve as identity and address proof.

Also Read: Has BJP lost Kerala before the big battle

How to apply for Digital voter ID cards

As per media reports, an eligible voter will have to provide her mobile number or email address at the time of applying for enrolment in the voters’ list. Existing voters may have to reverify their details to get their e-voter ID card.