Are Indian Passports Still Valid for Voter Registration? Election Commission Clarifies

Clarification from the Election Commission

New Delhi: Officials from the Election Commission confirmed on Thursday that Indian passports remain one of the 12 accepted documents for voters to verify their eligibility during the current special intensive revision of electoral rolls.

This statement comes in light of a recent debate sparked by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), which indicated that a passport does not serve as proof of citizenship, citing the Passport Act of 1967.

Sources within the government emphasized that passports have never been recognized as definitive proof of citizenship, and there has been no recent policy change regarding this document under the Modi administration over the last 12 years.

Throughout the special revision processes in Bihar, Assam, and other phases of electoral roll updates, passports have consistently been included among the 12 documents that individuals can present when registering or updating their voter status.

"The passport has always been and continues to be a valid document for establishing identity," an official stated, reinforcing that "there has been no alteration in this regard."

The electoral registration officer reviews one of the specified documents to determine an individual's eligibility for inclusion on the voters' list.