Election Commission says duplicate EPIC numbers do not mean fake voters; to allot unique EPIC to every elector
The Election Commission of India clarified on 2 March 2025 that identical EPIC numbers held by electors in different states do not mean duplicate or fake voters, and said it will ensure a unique EPIC number for every registered elector.
Summary
The Election Commission of India clarified on 2 March 2025 that while some electors in different states or UTs have identical Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers, their other details, Assembly Constituency and polling booth differ, and each can vote only at the designated polling station where enrolled. The identical numbers arose because some state Chief Electoral Officer offices used the same alphanumeric series under a decentralised, manual system before the electoral roll database of all states and UTs moved to the ERONET platform. The Commission said it will allot a unique EPIC number to registered electors, rectify any duplicate, and update the ERONET 2.0 platform to help.
Key facts
- Date
- 2 March 2025
- Issue
- Identical EPIC numbers across states/UTs
- Cause
- Same alphanumeric series used before shift to ERONET
- Fix
- Unique EPIC for every elector; ERONET 2.0 to be updated
Practice MCQs 2 questions
According to the Election Commission's clarification of 2 March 2025, which platform will be updated to help allot a unique EPIC number to every registered elector?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ERONET 2.0
The Commission said duplicate EPIC numbers will be rectified and the ERONET 2.0 platform will be updated to aid the process.
Consider the following statements in the context of the Election Commission's clarification on duplicate EPIC numbers (2 March 2025): 1. Under Article 324 of the Constitution, the superintendence, direction and control of the preparation of electoral rolls is vested in the Election Commission. 2. The identical EPIC numbers arose because some state CEO offices used the same alphanumeric series before the shift to ERONET. 3. The Commission said an elector with a duplicate EPIC number may vote in either of the two states concerned. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Article 324 vests superintendence of electoral rolls in the Election Commission, and the duplicates came from a decentralised, manual system before ERONET. Statement 3 is wrong: an elector can vote only at the designated polling station where enrolled.