The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issues Aadhaar, a unique 12-digit identification number on behalf of the Government of India. It serves as a valid proof of identity and address across India. A Voter ID, officially referred to as an Elector’s Photo Identity Card (EPIC), is a government-issued identification card provided by the Election Commission of India to qualified voters. It serves as evidence of an individual’s identity and place of residence for Indian citizens who are eligible to participate in elections. It is essential to link Aadhaar with Voter ID. READ ALSO, HOW TO LINK AADHAAR TO RATION CARD.

Linking Voter ID with Aadhaar Card aims to stop people from voting more than once, make elections more trustworthy, keep the voter lists correct, make signing up to vote easier, and improve government services. However, concerns about privacy and the potential exclusion of some individuals have led to discussions and policy decisions regarding Aadhaar.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR VOTER ID CARD / EPIC ONLINE:

1. Access the NVSP Website: Navigate to the official National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP) website at https://www.nvsp.in/.

2. Log In or Register: If you are already a registered user on the NVSP portal, you can log in using your existing username and password. If not, you have the option to register for an account.

3. Initiate Aadhaar Linking: Upon successful login, locate the “Link Aadhaar” option or a similar feature. Click on this option.

4. Provide Necessary Information: You will receive prompts to input specific details, including your Voter ID card number and Aadhaar number.

5. OTP Verification: Following the entry of the required information, you will likely receive an OTP (One-Time Password) on your registered mobile number. Input this OTP to confirm your identity.

6. Complete Aadhaar Linkage: Once the OTP verification is successful, you should be able to proceed with linking your Aadhaar card to your Voter ID through the online portal.

7. Confirmation Receipt: After the successful linking process, you will receive a confirmation message or email confirming the successful linkage between your Aadhaar and Voter ID.

Additional Notes:

• Ensure that your mobile number is linked to both your Aadhaar and Voter ID cards, as OTPs for verification purposes will be sent to your registered mobile number.
• Keep your Voter ID and Aadhaar cards accessible during the online linking process to ensure accurate entry of details.
• Be aware that the specific steps and interface may vary slightly due to updates and changes implemented by the Election Commission of India or other relevant authorities.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR VOTER ID CARD / EPIC OFFLINE:

1. Visit a Voter Registration Center or CSC: Locate the nearest Voter Registration Center or Common Service Center, typically found at sub-district or local administrative offices.

2. Prepare Required Documents: Ensure you have your Aadhaar card (original or a copy) and your Voter ID card (EPIC) in your possession.

3. Complete the Aadhaar Linking Form: Request the Aadhaar-Voter ID linking form from the officials at the center. Fill out the form with the necessary information.

4. Submit Documents and Form: Hand in the filled-out form along with photocopies of your Aadhaar card and Voter ID card to the officials.

5. Undergo Biometric Verification: You may need to undergo biometric verification to confirm your identity, which may include fingerprint and iris scans.

6. Receive an Acknowledgment Receipt: Once the verification process is finished, you will receive an acknowledgment receipt. Keep this receipt safe, as it may be needed for future reference.

7. Confirmation Received: You can expect to receive a confirmation once you have successfully completed the linking process. This confirmation may be sent to your registered mobile number or address.

8. Verification Period: The linking process may take some time to finalize and associate your Aadhaar with your Voter ID card. During this period, you can check the status of the linkage online through official websites or helplines.

9. Follow-Up: If you encounter any issues or have inquiries about the status of the linkage, you can get in touch with the Election Commission of India or visit the Voter Registration Center where you initiated the process.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR VOTER ID CARD / EPIC VIA VOTER HELPLINE APP:

1. Download and Install the Voter Helpline App: Access your mobile device’s application store, such as the Google Play Store for Android or the Apple App Store for iOS. Search for the official “Voter Helpline” app developed by the Election Commission of India. Proceed to download and install the app on your mobile device.

2. Launch the Voter Helpline App: Open the app on your mobile device by tapping its icon.

3. Account Registration or Login: If this is your first time using the app, you will be required to register an account using your mobile phone number. Follow the registration process to create your account. For users with existing accounts, simply log in using your registered mobile number and password.

4. Initiate Aadhaar and Voter ID Linkage: Once successfully logged in, locate the option within the app for linking your Aadhaar card to your Voter ID. The app should clearly indicate this feature.

5. Provide Aadhaar and Voter ID Details: You will be prompted to input your Aadhaar number and Voter ID (EPIC) particulars accurately.

6. Identity Verification: To confirm your identity, the app may request biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or iris scans, or it may send a one-time password (OTP) to your registered mobile number for verification.

7. Confirmation and Status Verification: Upon successfully completing the linking process, expect to receive a confirmation message or in-app notification. You also have the option to verify the status of the Aadhaar-Voter ID linkage within the app, ensuring it has been processed successfully.

8. Finalize the Procedure: Verify that your Aadhaar and Voter ID have been correctly linked, and confirm the receipt of a confirmation within the app.

HOW TO LINK AADHAAR VOTER ID CARD / EPIC SMS:

1. Ensure you have the required information ready, including your Aadhaar number and your Voter ID card number.

2. Open the messaging app on your mobile phone and create a new SMS.

3. The SMS format and the designated number for sending it should be provided by the Election Commission of India or relevant authorities. It may resemble the following format (please verify the exact format):

• Compose a message with the format: “ECILINK <Your Voter ID Card Number> <Your Aadhaar Number>”
• For example: “ECILINK ABC1234567 1234-5678-9012”

4. Send the SMS to the specified number.

5. After successfully completing the linking process, you should receive an SMS confirmation on your mobile number.

Additional notes:

• Use your linked Aadhaar mobile number for SMS as OTPs and confirmations are sent there.
• Confirm SMS format and number with Election Commission’s official sources.
• Verify the current SMS method with official sources, which may have changed since September 2021.

HOW TO CHECK LINK STATUS OF AADHAAR TO VOTER ID CARD:

1. Visit the Official NVSP Website: Navigate to the official National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP) website at: https://www.nvsp.in/ 

2. Access Your Account: If you have previously registered on the NVSP portal, sign in using your username and password. If you are a new user, you can create an account.

3. Find the “Track Application Status” Section: After logging in, locate a section titled “Track Application Status” or “Track Aadhaar-EPIC Linking Status” within the NVSP portal. Click on this option.

4. Enter the Necessary Information: You will be required to input specific details, such as your reference number or application ID, which you received during your linking request submission. Provide the requested information accurately.

5. Submit Your Details: Once you have entered the required information, click on the “Submit” or “Check Status” button.

6. Review the Status: The portal will display the current status of your Aadhaar-Voter ID linking request. It will indicate whether the linkage has been successfully processed or if it is still under review.

7. Save or Make a Note of the Status: You have the option to save a screenshot of the status or simply take note of it for your records.

8. Seek Additional Assistance: In case you encounter any difficulties or have inquiries regarding the status of your linkage, you can reach out to the Election Commission of India through the NVSP portal or visit your nearest Voter Registration Center for assistance.

WHY IS AADHAAR LINKED TO VOTER ID CARD / EPIC:

• Preventing Duplicate Voting: Linking Voter ID to Aadhaar can deter multiple voting using different identities.
• Enhancing Electoral Credibility: Aadhaar’s biometric authentication can boost electoral credibility by confirming voters’ true identities.
• Ensuring Precise Voter Registers: Aadhaar data can authenticate and update voter details, ensuring accurate electoral rolls.
• Simplifying Voter Registration: Integrating Voter ID with Aadhaar simplifies registration by confirming identity and address information, reducing administrative complexities.
• Improving Government Service Efficiency: Aadhaar’s unique identifier role can enhance the delivery of government services and benefits when associated with Voter ID.