The Bihar Assembly elections have commenced. Candidates for the first phase of elections will be able to file their nominations from Friday. Meanwhile, the Election Commission has issued a press note informing voters that if someone does not have a voter ID card on polling day, they do not need to be disappointed.
Patna: The bugle for the first phase of the Bihar Assembly elections 2025 has been sounded, and the electoral atmosphere is now visible across the entire state. The Election Commission has made it clear to voters that no one will be deprived of their right to vote even if they do not possess a voter card. To ensure this, the Commission has released a list of 12 alternative photo identification documents (Photo ID), any one of which can be presented by voters to securely exercise their right to vote.
List of Alternative Identification Documents for Voting
The Election Commission stated that if a voter's name is in the electoral roll but they do not have a voter card, any one of the following identification documents can be presented:
- Aadhaar Card
- MNREGA Job Card
- Passbooks with photographs issued by banks and post offices
- Health insurance smart card issued under schemes of the Ministry of Labour, Ayushman Bharat Health Card
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR
- Indian Passport
- Pension documents with photographs
- Service identity cards with photographs issued to employees by Central/State Government, Public Sector Undertakings, or Public Limited Companies
- Official identity cards issued to Members of Parliament (MPs), Members of Legislative Assembly (MLAs), or Members of Legislative Council
- Unique Disability ID (UDID) Card issued by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
The Election Commission has also ensured that Photo Voter ID Cards (EPIC) have already been issued to nearly 100% of voters in all assembly constituencies of Bihar. Additionally, instructions have been given to all Chief Electoral Officers to distribute EPICs to new voters within 15 days of the final publication of the electoral rolls.
New Directive Regarding Voting in Burqa
The Election Commission has also specifically stated that special arrangements will be made at polling stations to ensure the participation of women observing purdah or wearing a burqa. Their privacy and dignity will be fully respected in the presence of female polling staff. This step is expected to boost women's participation in voting and make them feel more comfortable during the polling process.
Bihar Assembly Election Schedule
- First Phase: November 6, 2025
- Second Phase: November 11, 2025
- Counting of Votes: November 14, 2025
Candidates for the first phase of elections will be able to file their nominations from Friday. This time, the Election Commission has specifically made voters aware to ensure they do not face any inconvenience on polling day.
