The claim: You cannot vote without a voter ID card (EPIC).
Our verdict: False
If your name is on the electoral roll but you cannot produce your EPIC, you can show another approved photo ID. The Election Commission's notification of 7 October 2025 listed 12 alternatives, including Aadhaar, an MNREGA job card and an Indian passport. You still need one approved photo ID, so this is not voting with no ID at all.
Exceptions and limits
Your name must be on the roll. The list is set by Commission order for each election, so check the order for yours. Overseas electors are not issued an EPIC and vote on their original passport.
Sources
- Press Information Bureau, 12 alternative photo identity documents apart from EPIC
- Election Commission of India (ECISVEEP), How to Vote
Related: How to vote: the voting process in India
This is a commonly repeated belief, and we are not attributing it to any person or party. Written by the India Vote Kar editorial team and checked on 31 October 2026. India Vote Kar also sells election software and campaign services; see how we check. Spotted a mistake? See our corrections policy.