The Election Commission has launched an e-sign feature to make the process of correcting, adding, or deleting names in the voter list more secure. Now, every applicant will have to complete OTP verification on their Aadhaar-linked mobile number, which will help prevent cases of fraudulent voter deletions and corrections. This change has been implemented on the ECINet platform.
E-Sign Facility: The Election Commission has further secured the process of making changes to the voter list. Voters across India can now apply to add new names, make corrections, or delete entries by completing OTP verification on their Aadhaar-linked mobile number via the ECINet portal and app. This step was taken following cases of fraudulent voter deletions in Karnataka's Aland assembly constituency, to ensure the validity and security of voter data.
What is the e-sign facility and how does it work?
E-sign is an online digital signature service provided by the Government of India through UIDAI. Through this service, voters can now digitally verify their Aadhaar number for corrections or changes to their Voter ID. This ensures the validity and security of voter data and largely eliminates the possibility of any fraudulent applications.
New process to reduce misuse of voter list
Previously, forms were submitted by linking a mobile number to the Voter ID number (EPIC), which often led to the use of incorrect numbers. Now, under the e-sign feature, the applicant must enter their Aadhaar number and provide consent by receiving an OTP on their mobile. The form can only be submitted after this verification. This rule will apply to Form 6 (new registration), Form 7 (deletion/objection), and Form 8 (correction).
Karnataka incident necessitated the change
This change was introduced after thousands of fraudulent voter deletion applications surfaced in Karnataka's Aland assembly constituency. Investigations revealed that out of 6,018 deletion requests, only 24 were found to be legitimate, while many applications used mobile numbers not linked to actual voters. This incident prompted the Election Commission to tighten its security and verification procedures.
Physical verification remains mandatory
The Election Commission has clarified that no voter's name can be deleted directly online. For this, physical verification by the concerned Booth Level Officer (BLO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) is mandatory. In every case, the voter will be given a full opportunity to present their case, ensuring that the process of name deletion or modification remains transparent and secure.
ECINet Platform and New Features
ECINet, launched this year, consolidates approximately 40 older apps and portals, including ERONet, into one platform. Through this platform, voters can easily apply online, and officials can process these applications. The newly added e-sign feature now ensures security and transparency throughout the entire process.
With this new change, updating the voter list has become more secure and reliable than ever before. Voters can now prevent any fraudulent activities by verifying through their Aadhaar number. Through ECINet and the e-sign feature, the Election Commission has made the digital voter registration system more transparent and trustworthy.
