Chandigarh (Balwinder Singh): The Haryana State Election Commission has announced that general elections for three municipal corporations, one municipality, and three municipal councils will be held across the province on May 10. According to a spokesperson for the Commission, the voting window has been set from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. To ensure maximum participation, the Commission has issued comprehensive guidelines regarding voter identification, emphasizing that no eligible citizen should be denied their right to vote due to the lack of a formal Voter Photo Identity Card.
Officials have confirmed that residents whose names are recorded in the current electoral rolls but do not possess a physical voter ID can still participate by presenting alternative identification. Accepted documents include the Aadhaar card, Parivar Pehchan Patra, passports, driving licences, and PAN cards. Additionally, identity cards issued by central or state government offices, public sector undertakings, or local bodies are considered valid. Photo-affixed passbooks from authorized banks or post offices, freedom fighter identity cards, and certificates for SC, ST, or OBC categories will also be accepted at the polling stations.
The list of permitted documents further extends to disability certificates, firearms licences, MNREGA job cards, and photo-affixed documents related to property or pensions. Smart cards issued under health insurance schemes and traditional ration cards are also among the approved proofs of identity. The Commission stated that any photo-affixed document that establishes a voter’s identity to the satisfaction of the presiding officer will be sufficient for casting a ballot. This inclusive approach is designed to prevent any administrative barriers from hindering the democratic process.
Regarding the logistics of the election, the Commission noted that the distribution of voter slips is nearing completion in most jurisdictions. Specific instructions have been issued to election officials to ensure that any remaining slips are delivered systematically to every household within the prescribed timeline. The Commission has issued a public appeal to all residents to exercise their franchise and participate actively in the democratic process. Furthermore, the authorities have sought the cooperation of the general public to ensure that the upcoming elections remain free, fair, and peaceful across all participating municipal areas.
