Jharkhand Civic Polls: Voters Can Cast Ballots Without Voter ID; 12 Alternate Documents Approved

Ranchi, February 23, 2026: In a significant relief to voters participating in the ongoing municipal elections across Jharkhand, the State Election Commission has clarified that citizens can exercise their franchise even if they do not possess their Voter ID card on polling day.

To ensure smooth and inclusive voting, the Commission has approved 12 alternative photo identity documents that will be accepted as valid proof of identity at polling booths.

12 Approved Identity Documents

The Election Commission has recognized the following photo-bearing documents for voter verification:

1. Voter ID Card issued by the Election Commission of India
2. Photo Voter Slip issued by the electoral authorities
3. Aadhaar Card issued by UIDAI
4. PAN Card issued by the Income Tax Department
5. Valid Passport issued by the Ministry of External Affairs
6. Driving Licence issued by the Transport Department
7. Photo Passbook issued by a Bank or Post Office
8. Service Identity Card issued to employees by Central/State Government, PSUs, Local Bodies, or Public Limited Companies
9. MGNREGA Job Card issued under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
10. Smart Health Insurance Card issued under the Ministry of Labour schemes
11. Photo Pension Documents, including Pension Payment Order (PPO)
12. National Population Register (NPR) Smart Card issued by the Registrar General of India

Ensuring Free and Fair Voting

The State Election Commission has issued strict guidelines to prevent impersonation and bogus voting. District administrations have appealed to voters to carry any one of the approved identity documents to avoid inconvenience at polling stations.

This move is particularly beneficial for those whose original Voter ID cards have been misplaced or are temporarily unavailable.

Polling Details and Results

Voting is currently underway in 48 urban local bodies across the state, with approximately 4.3 million voters eligible to cast their ballots. Security arrangements have been tightened to ensure peaceful polling.

The counting of votes and declaration of results are scheduled for February 27, 2026.

The decision to allow alternative identification reflects the Commission’s commitment to maximizing voter participation while maintaining electoral integrity.