EC Weighs In On 'Duplicate EPIC Numbers' Row, Explains How It Happened: 'Not A Sign Of Voter Fraud'
The Election Commission explained that the duplication occurred due to a decentralised and manual process used before the electoral roll database was integrated into the ERONET system.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) in a statement said that it has taken cognizance of the social media posts and news reports regarding electors who have the same number on their Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or Voter identity cards.
The election body explained that while the numbers maybe identical, other details such as “demographic details, Assembly Constituency and polling booth are different” for the voters even with the same EPIC number.
The Election Commission has taken cognizance of certain social media posts and media reports flagging the issue of electors of two different states having identical EPIC numbers. In this regard, it is clarified that while EPIC numbers of some of the electors may be identical, the… pic.twitter.com/O7QuboR4hc
— ANI (@ANI) March 2, 2025
ECI explained further that even if the EPIC number is identical, voter can only cast their vote “at their designated polling station in their respective Constituency in their State/UT where they are enrolled in the electoral roll and nowhere else.”
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Duplication occurred due to a decentralised and manual process
The Commission explained that the duplication occurred due to a decentralised and manual process used before the electoral roll database was integrated into the ERONET system. This led to some State/UT Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) offices using the same EPIC alphanumeric series, creating the possibility of duplicate EPIC numbers being assigned to voters in different Assembly Constituencies across various States/UTs.
Addressing concerns, the Commission has decided to ensure that each registered voter is assigned a unique EPIC number. Any instance of duplicate EPIC numbers will be rectified by issuing a unique identifier. The ERONET 2.0 platform will be updated to facilitate and streamline this process.
EPIC numbers act as unique identifiers for registered voters in India, appearing on voter ID cards and used in electoral rolls. These are important to ensure transparency and prevent electoral fraud.
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