Voter Id Verification Vs. Aadhaar Linking: What You Need To Know

By Author: Akhil Sharma
Total Articles: 5
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The Indian electoral system is based on the verification of voter IDs for ensuring a secure and democratic system. Recently, the government has rolled out the possibility to link Aadhaar to voter ID in order to cut down on the possibility of fraud in elections and improve accuracy in voter registration. But many people are unclear about the differences in voter ID verification as well as Aadhaar linking, what they mean, and the impact they have on the process of voting.

This article is designed to help you understand these issues and help people understand what they need to be aware of regarding voter identification verification and Aadhaar Linking.

What is voter ID verification?

Verification of voter ID is the method that authenticates a voter's right to be eligible to vote. It's a process that is accomplished by:

-Verifying identity to confirm that the individual has a valid voter.
-Checking age and citizenship in order to verify eligibility according to guidelines of the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
-A single registration is required in order to avoid multiple registrations ...
... from the same person.

Why is Voter ID verification important?

1.Protects against fraudulent: Duplicate voter entries and ensures that each voter's name is only registered once.
2.Enhances Election Integrity: It helps in ensuring honest and fair elections through eliminating the possibility of fraud by voters.
3.Allows for error correction: The voter can confirm and amend errors in the electoral list.
4.Mandatory to be able to exercise voting rights: A valid voter identification card is required to vote during elections.

What is Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking?

The Aadhaar-Voter ID linking is a move by the Election Commission to establish a secure authentication system that links to the Aadhaar number (a 12-digit number that is a unique identification) and a voter ID. The goal is to improve the transparency of elections and decrease the possibility of fraud.

Purpose of Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking:

A.Get rid of duplicate and fake voter IDs -Ensures that the voter is not listed multiple times within multiple districts.
B.Increase Accuracy on Electoral Rolls -Reduces errors in voter lists by confirming the details of a voter with Aadhaar.
C.Help in updating the voter information-The linking of Aadhaar allows people to update their voter information on the internet.

Key Differences Between Voter ID Verification and Aadhaar Linking

Verification of voter ID as well as Aadhaar linkage are distinct procedures that were initiated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in order to verify the accuracy and security of the election system. Although both require identification of voters, they have different functions and use different processes. We'll look at the main distinctions between them.

1. Purpose
ID verification for voters: This procedure will verify the legitimacy of the voter's information to ensure that the voter's identity is verified and to prevent duplicate or fraudulent entry on the electoral rolls.
Aadhaar Linking to Voter ID: It is also called EPIC Aadhaar seeding is an initiative that aims to eliminate duplicate voter registrations as well as increase the accuracy of electoral details by connecting voter data with a specific Aadhaar number.

2. Mandatory or voluntary
Verification of Voter ID: The requirement is for every voter who is eligible to confirm their information in order to ensure the accuracy of the voter rolls.
Aadhaar Linking: The government has made clear the fact that linking Aadhaar to voter ID is an option that is completely voluntary. The voters aren't required to give their Aadhaar data, and there is no way that an individual will lose their right to vote due to the absence of linking Aadhaar.

3. Process
Voter ID Verification: It is done via the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) or via submitting paperwork in designated locations at the time of voter verification drives. The process involves examining the details of the voter and updating their information as needed as well as verifying that they are eligible to vote.
Aadhaar Linking: Voters are able to connect their Aadhaar to their Voter ID via a multitude of ways, such as online submission through the NVSP platform, SMS or mobile applications, or attending Booth Level Officers (BLOs) who assist in the procedure.

4. Objective
Voter ID Verification: Make sure that the voter roll is up-to-date and doesn't contain any inconsistencies, duplicate entries, or unqualified voters.
Aadhaar Linking: Aims to reduce duplicate voter registrations through linking every voter with an individual identity. But it doesn't take the place of the verification process for voters.

5. Impact on Voting Rights
Verification of Voter ID: If the voter's information cannot be verified or is found to be in error, they could be removed from electoral lists.
Aadhaar Linking: Not linking Aadhaar does not affect voting rights. However, linking may help streamline voter records.

How do you verify the voter's ID?

To confirm the validity of your voter ID, you must follow these steps:

-Go to site to access the National Voter Services Portal (NVSP) The URL is https://www.nvsp.in
-Click on 'Search in Electoral Roll.'
-Input your voter ID number as well as other information such as your name, birthdate, and state.
-If the information you provide is valid, your voter's identification will be reflected.
-If you find any inconsistencies, you can request corrections using Form 8 of the NVSP portal.

How to link Aadhaar to voter ID?

If you want to connect your Aadhaar to your voter ID, you are able to accomplish this by using a variety of methods:

1. Online via NVSP Portal:
-Visit here: https://www.nvsp.in
-Click on the link Aadhaar for Voter Identification (Form 6B).
-Input your voter ID (EPIC number) as well as your Aadhaar number.
-Give your mobile number that you registered and confirm the number with an OTP.
-Make the request, and linking is completed.

2. Via SMS:
-Make an SMS with the format ECILINK or 51969.

3. Through the Voter Helpline App
-Get your Voter Helpline App from the Google Play Store or App Store.
Go to the Aadhaar linking section, and then comply with the directions.

4. Offline at voter registration centers:
-Find the closest Booth Level Officer (BLO) or Election Office.
Complete Form 6B and send it in with a photocopy of your Aadhaar ID card.

Concerns & Challenges Related to Aadhaar-Voter ID Linking

While linking Aadhaar to voter ID can be beneficial, some questions have been raised

1. Privacy and Data Security
Certain individuals are worried over the misuse of their personal information.
The government promises that data is safe and will only be used to conduct elections.

2. Risk of Exclusion
There have been cases where people were removed incorrectly from voter lists because of Aadhaar-related errors.
In order to protect themselves as a safeguard, linking is voluntary so that every voter does not get denied the right to vote.

3. Technical and Accessibility Challenges
Certain voters, particularly those living in rural areas, might not have access to online platforms to facilitate Aadhaar connecting.
Offline options are in place for this concern.

Conclusion

Validating your ID for voting is mandatory. Verify that your voter's details are up-to-date on the official ECI website in order to avoid problems on the day of the election.
-The Aadhaar Voter ID link is voluntary: The option is to connect to your Aadhaar for extra security, but it's not a requirement.
-Stay informed: Be aware of any change in election guidelines to make informed choices.
-Make use of your voting Rights:No matter if you are a part of Aadhaar or not, the main goal is to cast a ballot and be part of the democratic procedure.

I'm Akhil Sharma, a dedicated digital marketer at Surepass Technologies Pvt. Ltd., A leading company that provides verification solutions such as background verification. With a passion for leveraging technology to streamline processes and enhance security, I specialize in crafting innovative digital marketing strategies tailored to meet the dynamic needs of clients.