Understand your voter card, what is EPIC number, what is ERO NET?

India is the largest democracy in the world. India has the highest number of voters in the world. The citizens of India have the right to vote. On behalf of the Election Commission, all voters are given voter ID cards for their identity. But do you understand your voter card completely? What is the EPIC number written in it and what is the importance of ERO NET? Come, let’s know all these aspects in detail.

What is a voter card?
First of all, let’s know what is a voter card? The voter card is an official document issued by the Election Commission of India. It is given to every Indian citizen who is 18 years or older and is registered for voting. This card contains your name, father or husband’s name, gender, date of birth, polling station details and a unique identity number. This card helps the voter to prove its identity at the polling station. However, if you do not have a voter card, but your name is recorded in the voter list, then you can also vote on other alternative identity cards like Aadhaar card, passport or driving license.

What is EPIC number?
The full name of EPIC is Electoral Photo Identity Card This is the specific number of 10 digits that is mentioned on your voter card. For example, if your EPIC number is xyz1234567, the first three letters reflect the state or region, and the latter seven digits define your unique identity. This number is different for every voter and it is not repeated. The main objective of the EPIC number is to track the identity of the voter digitally and physically so that transparency and fairness in the voting process remains.

With the help of EPIC number, you can verify your information on online portal like National Voters’ Service Portal (NVSP). If you have to change your polling station, improve the name or get a new voter card, then this number becomes the basis of your identity. It also helps prevent irregularities like double voting.

What is ERO NET?
ERO Net means Electoral Registration Officer Network This is an online system developed by the Election Commission of India which is designed to digitally operate voter registration and services associated with it. In every assembly constituency, there is an Election Registration Officer -ERO, which works to update the voter list, add new voters and revise the old information. ERO NET makes this process technically strong and transparent.

Suppose, you have to change your address or add your name to the voter list. Earlier this work was done by filling paper form and circling the offices. But through ERO NET, you can now apply on the NVSP portal sitting at home. You fill in Form 6 (New Registration), Form 8 (Correction), or Form 8A (address change) online, and this application directly reaches the ERO of your area. Your information is verified by entering your EPIC number in the ERO NET system and the process is completed.

Why are these two important?
The combination of EPIC number and ERO NET makes voter services fast, safe and convenient. For example, a recent survey found that the use of ERO NET has reduced the number of errors in the voter list by up to 30%. This system not only saves time, but also helps in removing fake voters and preventing duplicate entries. If your EPIC number is used incorrectly, it can be track and correct immediately through ERO NET.

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