Election Commission to Link Voter List with Aadhaar Database: What Does This Mean for Voters?

KKN Gurugram Desk | The Election Commission of India is moving forward with a plan to link voter IDs with the Aadhaar database. This initiative aims to streamline voter records and ensure that the electoral roll is accurate and free from duplicates. With over 66 crore voters having voluntarily provided their Aadhaar information, this process will now focus on linking those records with the voter database. Let’s explore what this means, the changes that will occur, and the implications for voters.

Election Commission’s Plan to Link Voter IDs with Aadhaar

The Election Commission is set to integrate the voter list with the Aadhaar database. To achieve this, the Election Commission and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) will collaborate closely. A recent high-level meeting between officials from the Election Commission, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Law, the Ministry of IT, and UIDAI discussed how to carry out this linking process.

The main objective is to ensure that voter records are accurate and free from duplication. This move could help eliminate duplicate names and streamline the entire voter registration process. However, what exactly does this mean for voters, and how will the process work?

66 Crore Voters’ Information to Be Linked with Aadhaar

So far, the Election Commission has gathered Aadhaar information from more than 66 crore voters. These voters voluntarily submitted their Aadhaar numbers to the Election Commission. However, this data has not yet been linked to the voter database. The main reason for this is that the Election Commission has not yet used this information to eliminate duplicate entries from the voter list.

Currently, the Election Commission and UIDAI are focusing on finding a way to link the Aadhaar data with the voter records. This initiative will initially apply to voters who have voluntarily provided their Aadhaar numbers. The linking will help to ensure that voter lists are free from duplicate or false entries, which can sometimes cause confusion during elections.

How Will Voter IDs Be Linked with Aadhaar?

While the Election Commission has not yet provided detailed information on how the linkage between voter IDs and Aadhaar will take place, it has stated that the process will comply with the Representation of the People Act, 1950, under sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6). These sections outline the legal framework for collecting Aadhaar details from voters, with the aim of ensuring the authenticity of voter identities.

This move is part of the ongoing efforts by the Election Commission to streamline voter registration and eliminate discrepancies in voter data. Technology experts from the Election Commission and UIDAI will soon begin discussions to determine the specific technical steps needed to link these two databases effectively.

What is the Representation of the People Act?

The Representation of the People Act, 1950, governs the conduct of elections in India. Sections 23(4), 23(5), and 23(6) specifically deal with the use of Aadhaar for voter identification. According to these sections, the Election Commission can request Aadhaar details from voters to verify their identities. Additionally, these sections clarify that voters who refuse to provide their Aadhaar numbers may be excluded from the voter list.

Under the existing framework, voters are allowed to submit their Aadhaar numbers voluntarily. However, the proposed changes to the voter registration process will make Aadhaar linking a more structured and regulated process.

Law Ministry’s Changes to Form 6B

The Law Ministry has decided to make changes to Form 6B, which is used for collecting Aadhaar details from voters. Currently, this form only provides two options for voters: they can either submit their Aadhaar number or declare that they are unable to provide it due to a lack of an Aadhaar number.

With the proposed changes, the form will be updated to provide an additional option. Voters will now have the option to refuse to provide their Aadhaar numbers, but they will need to give a valid reason for not doing so. This adjustment will ensure that the process of submitting Aadhaar information remains voluntary, while also addressing concerns from voters who may have hesitations about sharing their personal details.

The Law Ministry is expected to issue a notification soon, providing further details about these changes. These adjustments are part of an ongoing effort to refine the process of voter registration and ensure that all voters are accurately identified in the voter lists.

Expected Timeline for Changes

These changes are expected to take place soon. The Election Commission is working towards implementing the updated process before the next major elections in Bihar, which are scheduled to take place in the coming months. The Election Commission had previously indicated during a hearing in the Supreme Court in September 2023 that it was considering changes to the voter ID rules. The timeline for these updates will likely be in line with the upcoming elections to ensure smooth implementation.

The Election Commission’s goal is to integrate Aadhaar details into the voter list in a manner that respects privacy concerns while also ensuring that voter data is accurate and up to date. This initiative could lead to a more efficient electoral process, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring that only eligible voters are included in the electoral roll.

There are several benefits to linking Aadhaar with the voter list. One of the most significant advantages is the elimination of duplicate names. In many cases, voters may be registered multiple times in different parts of the country, either due to clerical errors or other reasons. Linking Aadhaar with voter IDs will help to identify and remove these duplicates, ensuring a cleaner and more accurate voter list.

Additionally, linking Aadhaar with voter IDs can streamline the entire election process. It will help election authorities verify the identity of voters more efficiently, reducing the chances of voter impersonation and other forms of election fraud. The