March 8, 2025: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a three-month deadline to resolve the long-standing issue of duplicate voter ID numbers, aiming to enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls and ensure every voter has a unique identity.

The issue, which dates back to the early 2000s, arose when some Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) did not adhere to the correct numbering system while issuing Electors Photo Identity Cards (EPICs). This led to instances where multiple voters were assigned the same EPIC number, creating inconsistencies in voter records.

A recent sample inquiry involving 100 electors with duplicate EPIC numbers confirmed that all were legitimate voters. The poll body clarified that every voter is linked to a designated polling station and can only cast their vote there, irrespective of their EPIC number.

To rectify the problem, the Election Commission has decided to issue unique national EPIC numbers to those with duplicates. Additionally, new voters will be assigned distinct numbers to prevent any future duplication. This entire process is expected to be completed within three months.

With over 99 crore registered voters, maintaining an updated and error-free electoral database remains a priority for the Commission. The process of revising electoral rolls is conducted annually through the Special Summary Revision (SSR), which takes place from October to December, with final rolls published in January. In poll-bound states and Union Territories, an additional revision is carried out ahead of elections.

The revision process involves a participatory approach, ensuring transparency and accuracy in voter records. Booth Level Officers (BLOs), appointed from state government officials, conduct house-to-house verification and submit recommendations to the EROs. Political parties also play a crucial role by appointing Booth Level Agents (BLAs) to scrutinize the rolls and report discrepancies.

Following the publication of draft electoral rolls, a one-month period is provided for the public and political parties to raise claims and objections. After addressing these concerns, the final voter lists are published. If an individual is dissatisfied with the final decision, they have the right to appeal to the District Magistrate or the Chief Electoral Officer for further review.

The Election Commission has emphasized that this initiative will improve transparency, prevent errors, and strengthen the integrity of India’s electoral process.