Patna: In a major electoral update ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections, the Election Commission has announced that all registered voters in the state will receive a new Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). However, to be eligible, voters must submit updated photographs and supporting documents by September 1.
As part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll, the Commission has already completed the first phase of the process. The second phase is currently underway, involves the publication of the draft voter list and allows for claims and objections to be raised until the September deadline.
Voters have been asked to verify their names in the draft list and report any discrepancies related to name, age, address or photograph. Those seeking corrections or updates must either approach their Booth Level Officer (BLO) with a new photograph and ID/address proof or use the online portal to upload the necessary documents.
The final voter list is scheduled to be published on September 30, after which new EPIC cards will be issued. While the official rollout date for the cards has not yet been confirmed, sources indicate that the new version will come with upgraded security features, a QR code, and an updated photograph.
The Election Commission stated that the revision is aimed at improving the accuracy of the electoral roll and ensuring that each voter receives an updated, secure identity card. However, the process has not been without issues. Some voters reported being asked to resubmit documents they had already handed over to BLOs, causing frustration—particularly among the elderly and those without access to digital services.
To address accessibility concerns, the Commission has introduced an online platform where voters can search for their names, upload documents, and track their application status—an option proving popular among younger, tech-savvy citizens.
