Multiple Elector Photo Identity Cards generated for same person during SIR, admits Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer

The State Election Commission of Karnataka has acknowledged that individuals have been issued multiple Elector Photo Identity Cards during the preparation of electoral rolls, a practice that undermines the accuracy of the final electoral rolls. According to reports, some voters appear under the same EPIC number across two different Assembly constituencies, creating confusion about who actually cast their vote. This situation means that a single person could potentially cast votes in multiple constituencies, distorting the democratic process.

The admission by the Chief Electoral Officer highlights a systemic flaw that could affect future elections if not corrected. The issue was brought to light when journalists noticed discrepancies between the preliminary and final electoral rolls, particularly in several Assembly constituencies across the state. The Election Commission has reportedly initiated an investigation into how many such cases exist and whether they were accidental or deliberate.

For residents of Karnataka, this matters because the integrity of elections depends on accurate voter rolls. When the same EPIC appears in multiple constituencies, it becomes impossible to verify which person actually voted where, potentially enabling fraud. The state government must ensure that all voter registration processes are transparent and that no individual can register in more than one constituency. The outcome of this investigation will determine whether stricter verification procedures are needed before the next election cycle.