Election Commission May Give Digital Voter IDs To Ease Accessibility Of Electoral Services

• In August 2020, The Election Commission has also proposed the idea of using blockchain technology as a solution for remote voting.
• Currently, The Aadhaar Card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, and driving license are available in digital mode.

The Election Commission of India is reportedly mulling the idea to provide voter IDs in a digital format to voters for easier accessibility and faster delivery of electoral services.

If this happens, Newly enrolled voters will get the facility automatically, while existing voters will be required to complete a few formalities via the Voter Helpline app.

Currently, The Aadhaar Card, Permanent Account Number (PAN) card, and driving license are available both in hard copy and digital mode.

The ECI will look into the safety aspect and how to prevent misuse of technology before deciding on providing a digital voter id, said reports.

"We keep getting suggestions and ideas from officers on fields, through working groups of (state) chief electoral officers and public. This is one such idea we are working on," the department said.

Earlier in September 2020, The ECI has also proposed the idea of using blockchain technology as a solution for remote voting. Blockchain technology could be the safety solution, where the entire process is clear and transparent to the voters, said Sushil Chandra, Election Commissioner.

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An Eligible voter will have to provide a registered mobile number or email address while applying to get a digital format of their voter ID cards.

"It can be on a mobile, website, through e-mail... the idea is to provide faster delivery and easy accessibility. The physical card takes time to print and time to reach the voter," reports explained.

With this new proposed approach, The ECI can save their cost of printing and distributing physical copies of EPIC/Voter ID cards. According to the reports, Digital voter IDs may be available before assembly elections in five states next year.

In September 2020, the Telangana State Election Commission (TSEC) decided to use a facial recognition app, on a pilot basis, in some polling stations for municipal elections.

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