The Election Commission of India has integrated SMS-based search services into the electoral roll database. This offers citizens an instant way to check their voter registration status from anywhere in India. This hassle-free facility spares them the effort of physically verifying credentials at offices or through web searches.
Let us understand why seamless database access matters for voter empowerment and how the SMS process enables self-service confirmation of registration details in a few simple steps.
Importance Of Transparent Voter Data Access
The electoral roll is the cornerstone of India's democracy and gives citizens the right to exercise franchise during state or national elections. Any errors in the name, age, address, or ID specifics of voters can deem citizens ineligible, denying them participation in voting.
Transparent access and allowing people to validate their registration status are pivotal. It facilitates timely correction requests by citizens ahead of election issues of voter slips.
Further, easy database search tools are also a move against fraudulent entries by external parties for fake voting.
Earlier, voter ID searches were complex, requiring physically inspecting voter lists at designated offices or filling out web forms requiring digital access. The SMS route makes the entire exercise simple and real-time, and it verifies details on the go.
Also Read: Voter ID - Election (EPIC) Card Detail Guide
How To Check Your Name In The Electoral Roll?
One can check their names in the electoral roll by following some simple methods. All the methods are mentioned below.
1. Through The Website
- Please visit the official website of the Election Commission of India.
- Click on ‘Voters’ on the homepage.
- Navigate to the ‘Search your name in the electoral roll’.
- Fill in your details like EPIC number, mobile number, or names and state.
- Check your name in the electoral roll.
2. Voter Helpline Application
- Download the Voter Helpline application (android & iOs).
- Login using your credentials.
- Click on the ‘search name in electoral roll’ option.
- Fill in your details.
- Check your name in the electoral roll.
3. SMS Or Call
- Please send a message with your EPIC number to 1950 (for example, SPACE to 1950). You will receive whether your name is there on the electoral roll or not.
- You can also call 1950 for the same.
4. Offline
Please visit the local Booth Level Officer or election office and request to see the electoral roll to check your name.
Possible Reasons For Missing Names From The Electoral Roll
There can be a variety of reasons why one may not find their name in the electoral roll. Some of the possible reasons can be:
- If the voter registers at the last minute or some days before the election, their name might not come in the electoral roll.
- Voters who have shifted without updating the residence change in their voter ID card will not find their name in the electoral roll.
- Faults during the documentation process may be one of the reasons why their name might not come in the electoral roll.
Read More: Duplicate Voter ID Card Process
What Is The Eligibility For Casting Votes?
The eligibility criteria for casting votes in India should be fulfilled by every voter to successfully cast their votes. The eligibility criteria are:
- Citizens must be at least 18 years old.
- Citizens must possess a voter ID card and their name should be in the electoral roll.
Step-By-Step Process To Avail SMS-Based Voter Check
The voter search by SMS requires citizens to send an SMS to the Election Commission's number—1950—in the following format:
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Enter ‘EPIC’ followed by a space.
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Next, enter your 10-digit EPIC (Voter ID card) number.
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Send this SMS to the number 1950 from your registered mobile number. SMS charges apply.
On successful matching, you receive a reply SMS confirming electoral details like name, voter ID serial number, polling station address, etc. This eliminates the need for physical documents or portal access for credential verification.
Citizens can also fetch family voter data through SMS by replacing their voter ID with that of relatives. The facility is available in 14 languages.
Benefits Of SMS-Based Voter Confirmation
The SMS-based voter confirmation offers several advantages to the citizens of India. Some of the advantages are mentioned below in brief:
- Convenient: It is a very convenient measure that allows people to confirm their details without having to go to a designated government office.
- No internet: SMS doesn’t need the facility of the internet, which makes it more easy and accessible.
- Time-saving: It saves not only the time of people but also the authorities in smoothening the process of voting.
- More voters: Such convenient measures eliminate any reason for people not to cast votes. The government is working on making voting as simple and non-hectic for people as possible.
Conclusion
The power of India's soaring mobile adoption is now in your hands. Just text your voter ID to 1950 using your registered mobile number. Within seconds, all your electoral details, from name to polling station location, will be SMSed back by the Election Commission for free across 14 languages.
The ECI has made voter registration transparency insanely seamless. This digital empowerment of citizens to check and update their eligibility will tremendously aid universal adult franchises.
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