PATNA: The Election Commission (EC) has allowed voters, who do not have photo identity cards (PICs), to exercise their franchise in the first and second phase of ensuing assembly polls. However, instead of the PIC, these voters must possess one of the 17 alternative documents specified by the EC to cast their votes.
This was stated in a press note issued by the office of chief electoral officer (CEO), Bihar. The alternative documents include passport, driving licence, PAN cards, identity cards issued by state or Central government undertakings or public limited companies.
Identity cards issued by recognised educational institutions before August 3, 2005, will also be valid. Accounts opened in banks or post offices before August 31 will also be treated as an alternative document for voting. Other documents include backward caste, scheduled caste and scheduled tribe certificates issued by SDO office before August 31, 2005.
