India is one of the largest democratic countries in the world. With a high population and multiple numbers of states, it is no wonder that people have various ideas and concerns regarding the ongoing political situation.

Therefore, to ensure the rights of people and to reduce malpractices at the time of voting, the Government of India introduced voter ID cards in 1993.

Eligible citizens can apply for this document to preserve their voting rights and citizenship. Individuals wondering about the same can get all information regarding Voter ID in Gujarat and its application process in this piece.

Keep reading!

A Voter ID card is a photo identity card issued by the Election Commission of India to eligible citizens of India. This card is also known as Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) which serves as identity proof. Voter ID card helps improve the accuracy of the electoral poll and prevents malpractices like vote-rigging.

• A Voter ID card serves as photo identity proof. Banks, colleges, insurance companies, offices accept Voter ID cards as identification proof.
• This card helps eligible citizens cast votes.

• Individuals can use a Voter ID card in Gujarat along with all other states for a number of reasons. These are -
• As proof of identity
• Individuals can use this card for identification purposes with no fixed address.
• The credentials present in the Voter ID card like photographs, fingerprints, signatures act as additional proof and guarantee.
• Voter ID card helps reduce fake votes.
• With a Voter ID card, residents can register their names in the electoral roll of a state. As they can register both in the electoral roll of a state and state domicile, they can enrol their name in local list of the electoral area where they are currently residing.

If residents of Gujarat move from one constituency to another, then they cannot vote under the previous constituency. In that case, they have to apply for a new Voter ID card under the new assembly constituency.

A Voter ID features the following information -

• A hologram sticker
• Serial number
• Cardholder’s name
• Age
• Gender
• Photograph
• Residential address
• Signature
• Parent’s name

A Voter ID card benefits the residents in the following ways -

• As a document of identity proof, Voter ID helps individuals acquire a mobile phone SIM card.
• It helps in the passport application process.
• This card serves as a Travel Document for travelling to Bhutan or Nepal by land or air.

By now, you must have gained a comprehensive idea about the basics and importance of Voter ID cards in Gujarat and other states across the nation. Now, let’s see how its application process works in Gujarat.

The Voter Card application process in Gujarat is simple. Residents can apply for a new voter ID card online in Gujarat as well as in offline mode. Both the processes are discussed below -

Online Steps to Apply for Voter ID Card in Gujarat

The implementation of online services in Gujarat has made the process easier. Follow the process mentioned below to apply for a voter ID card online in Gujarat -

• Step-1: Visit the official website of the Chief Electoral Officer.  Here, individuals have to make online registration of Voter ID cards in Gujarat. Subsequently, they have to click on ‘Online Voter Registration.'
• Step-2: Click on ‘Sign Up.’ A sign-up form will appear on the screen. Fill in the form and click again on ‘Sign Up.'
• Step-3: Login to the system after completing the registration process and click on ‘Form 6’. This form is for new online registration for the Gujarat election card.
• Step-4: Provide the Photo Identity Card number of a family member of a neighbour. Next, provide basic information as needed.
• Step-5: Upload documents of age and address proof.

An application copy will appear in PDF format. Take a printout and submit it to the nearest Electoral Registration office by post.

Once the department of election registration completes the application process, you will receive a Voter ID card in Gujarat via post at your registered address.

Offline Steps to Apply for Voter ID Card in Gujarat

Individuals can complete the offline Voter ID application process by following the steps mentioned below -

• Step-1- Collect Form 6 (issued by the Election Commission of India)
• Step-2- Fill in the form with correct details and submit documents such as a photograph, age and address proof. Individuals may have to provide information about other family members.
• Step-3- After the verification of the application form, Booth Level officers can come for verification after which individuals will receive a Gujarat Voter ID card.

However, they can also opt for visiting the official website and the download the Form 6. Then they will have to fill the form with accurate details and submit it to their nearest election office.

Individuals have to provide any of the following -

• Birth certificate (issued by a Municipal Authority/ Baptism certificate/district office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths)
• Birth certificate from the school or any other recognized educational institution (attended by the applicant)
• A copy of the mark sheet of class 10, or Marksheet of class 8 if it contains a date of birth;
• Marksheet of class 5 if it contains a date of birth;
• Indian Passport
• Aadhaar letter/Card issued by UIDAL
• PAN card
• Driving icense
• Bank passbook

Apart from these, they also have to provide -

• Address proof (telephone bill, bank passbook, registered rent deed)
• Passport size photograph

Residents of Gujarat willing to apply for a Voter card must fulfil the following eligibility criteria -

• Applicants must be a citizen of India.
• Applicant’s age must be 18 years or above.
• Applicants must not be financially bankrupt.

Following is the process of downloading a Voter Id card -

• Step-1- Visit the official website of National Voters’ Services Ltd.
• Step-2- Click on the option to search your name on the electoral roll.
• Step-3- Fill in details under the ‘Search by Details’ option.
• Step-4- The process will allow you to take a print of your Voter ID card.

To check Voter ID status in Gujarat online, you have to follow the steps mentioned below,

• Step-1- Visit the official website of the Gujarat Chief Electoral Officer website.
• Step-2- Individuals can search by name, ID, district. Those who are willing to search by name have to select forms from (Form 6, 7, 8, 8A). Then they have to enter their surname, first name, father or husband name. They will appear on the screen. If you wish to search by ID, select forms from (Form 6, 7, 8, 8A). Next, enter the application number and you can view the application status. For persons selecting Districts, have to select district, assembly. Then, a list will instantly appear.

A voter ID card is one of the most important documents that every citizen must have. Therefore, citizens must remember certain points while applying. These are -

• Individuals must know the eligibility criteria.
• They must apply through the government website, here the Gujarat CEO office.
• They must fill the application form with the correct information.
• They must keep all documents handy.
• You can register your name in more than one constituency. Hence, check your name in the electoral roll before applying.

Read the information on Gujarat Voter ID carefully card and apply for it if you have the required eligibility criteria.