Protect Your Vote: EC Launches Aadhaar-Linked Verification for Voter List Changes

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Election Commission has taken a major and important step to prevent fraud in the voter list. Now, for adding a new name, deleting a name or making any correction in the voter list online, it will be mandatory to get the verification done through OTP received on the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. The Commission has implemented this new security system through the 'e-sign' feature on its ECINet portal and app. This decision has been taken after the recent attempt to illegally remove the names of thousands of voters in Karnataka's Aland assembly seat.

In fact, a few days ago, on September 18th, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised the issue of the Aland assembly constituency in Karnataka, where thousands of fraudulent voter deletion applications had surfaced. An investigation found that of the 6,018 deletion requests, only 24 were genuine, with all others found to be false. In many cases, the mobile numbers used for OTP verification did not belong to actual voters. This incident forced the Election Commission to further tighten the entire verification process.

Previously, anyone could submit the form only by linking their mobile number to their Voter ID (EPIC) number, which left the possibility of fraud. Now, under the new 'e-sign' process, the applicant will have to enter their Aadhaar number. After this, an OTP will be sent to the mobile number linked to Aadhaar. The form can be submitted only after entering this OTP and giving consent. This new rule has come into effect with immediate effect on Form 6 (new registration), Form 7 (deletion/objection) and Form 8 (correction).

The Election Commission has also clarified that no voter's name will be deleted directly based on an online application. Physical verification by the respective Booth Level Officer (BLO) and Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) will remain mandatory after each application. Voters will be given a full opportunity to express their views before any action is taken. This new feature has been added to the ECINet platform, which aims to enhance transparency and security in the electoral process.