Each state has an Election Commission of its own. This body regulates all electoral duties across its respective state and ensures a smooth voting process. People above 18 years of age are eligible to vote and can apply for a Voter ID card. Every citizen must exercise their right to vote and have a Voter ID card. Keep reading to learn how to apply for a Voter ID card, track the application status and download it.

The process to apply for a Voter ID card can be both online and offline. Nowadays, people mostly opt for the online method of application. However, there are some people who do not have the means to choose the online mode.

Mentioned below are both online and offline methods of applying for a voter ID card.

The process to apply for a voter ID card online are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the official website of Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer (CEO)

Step 2: Click on ‘Online Registration for EPIC’

Step 3: A new window will open, and from there, click on 'National Voters' Service Portal'

Step 4: Then click on 'Online Registration for New Voter'

Step 5: A form will be displayed on the screen. Fill up the form providing all relevant details and upload the supporting documents

Step 6: Once the form is submitted, an application reference number will be generated, which works as an alternative for a receipt

Step 7: After processing the documents, a Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit the applicant’s address to check all the details that are provided

Step 8: After verification is complete, the Voter ID card will be sent to the applicant’s address by post

The steps to apply for a Voter ID card offline are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the nearest Electoral Office

Step 2: Collect the application form for a new applicant

Step 3: Fill up the form and submit the necessary documents along with it

Step 4: After submission of the documents, a Booth Level Officer will visit the applicant’s address to check the authenticity of the information provided

Step 5: On successful verification, applicants will receive their voter ID card by post

The eligibility criteria for obtaining a voter ID card in Jharkhand are as follows:

• Must be a citizen of India
• Must be 18 years old
• Must have a permanent residing address

Listed below are the documents required to obtain a Voter ID card:

Identity Proof (anyone)

• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Passport
• Ration Card
• Student ID Card

Address Proof (anyone)

• Aadhaar Card
• Passport
• Utility bill
• Ration Card

Proof of Age (anyone)

• Birth Certificate
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Passport
• Driving Licence

The steps to download Voter ID are as follows:

Step 1: Visit the National Voter’s Service Portal or NVSP and log in to your account. Create a new account in case you do not have one

Step 2: Once done, enter your EPIC Number or Form Reference number and select your state

Step 3: An OTP will be sent to your registered mobile number

Step 4: After entering the OTP, you will find the 'Download' option. Click on it to download your Voter ID

The status of the voter ID card application can be checked online by following the steps mentioned below:

Step 1: Visit Jharkhand’s Chief Electoral Officer’s official website

Step 2: Click on ‘Track your Application Status’

Step 3:  Select your district from the dropdown menu and then the constituency, followed by the type of form

Step 4: Next, enter the current date and click on ‘Submit’

Step 5: The application status will be displayed on the screen

It is essential that citizens should have a Voter ID card in Jharkhand. It is one of the most important documents and allows people to exercise their right to vote.