Privacy and Voter ID

Privacy and How can I correct my Voter ID card

Increased voter identification need oblige voter to attained at least one form of identification for which the states typically collect a fee. Some states allow persons who can’t afford a Voter ID card to obtain one for free; however, this method can require documented proof of identity, state residency, citizenship & indigence /income. Voter registration applicants are often required to apply for such cards well in advance of an election. The current economy will place additional burdens on a larger no. of voters than at any time in recent history, as well as added expenses to states, at a time when the state, local, & personal budgets are under extreme stress. States also must provide transparency to voters regarding voting changes, & offer adequate resources to meet the rush of demand for photo identification/other forms of the acceptable document that can be got in time for voters to participate in the next election.

Increased voter identification need obliges all citizens presenting themselves at voting locations - the vast majority of whom presumably arouse no suspicion - to disclose not only their name but also all information that appears on their form of govt-issued photo identification. Further, voters are required to present the cards not to police but to poll workers, most of who are neither professionally licensed in law enforcement nor permanent government employees. Voter identity card requirements mandate self-identification not in the context of criminal apprehension but as a condition to an innocent person's exercise of the constitutional right to vote.

The most common form of govt-issued photo identification is a driving license, which includes the voter's name & voter’s photographic likeness but also may include such information as the voter's age, height, weight, & driving license no., restrictions owing to disability /impairment & fingerprints. Furthermore, states, rather than voters, have sole control over the information placed into a state-issued Voter Identity card, and the applicant for such identification cannot choose to withhold certain data. Changes in the design & content of driving licenses & other state-issued identification are also at the govt discretion. Any changes may not consider the requirement set forth by state laws governing voter Identity card requirements.

Furthermore, in recent years states have increased the no. & types of documents required obtaining state-issued driver's licenses or other identification documents. These requirements have proven to be costly & in some cases burdensome because the funds necessary for purchasing them / the underlying documents were impossible to attain.

How can I correct my Voter ID?

In order to correct any detail in the voter Identity card, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. The first step is to log on to the official National Voters Service Portal (NVSP) website.

2. You must click on the “Correction of entries in the electoral roll”.

3. After clicking on the option mentioned in the previous point, click on Form eight (8).

4. The click will direct you to a page where you can correct the details. You are required to select the detail which needs to be corrected.

5. Enter the city in which you are currently residing.

6. Enter the date on which the correction to the voter Identity is being made

7. Provide your contact details such as the address of residence and contact no.

8. Verify all the information and then click on the submit option

Importance of a Voter ID card

What is the importance of a voter identity card?

The voter Identity card is one of the most important documents for the citizens of India because of the following reasons:

Acts as identity proof: The voter Identity card acts as a valid proof of identity. It’s accepted by banks, insurance companies, colleges, offices & various other places as identification proof. Also, the Voter Identity no. mentioned on the Identity card is used for processing requests at different places.

Helps in casting votes: If one wishes to cast vote during elections, then he or she must have a Voter Identity card.