Voters Allowed to Cast Ballots Using Government-Issued IDs

The Election Commission of Nepal has clarified that voters whose names appear on the voter list can cast their ballots by presenting alternative government-issued identification if they do not have their voter ID card with them.

As per the House of Representatives Member Election (Voting) Guidelines, 2082, voters are generally required to carry their voter ID card to the polling station. However, the commission has made provisions allowing flexibility to ensure that voting remains accessible to all eligible citizens.

Under the provision, voters may present any one of the following documents: Nepali citizenship certificate, national identity card, passport, land ownership certificate, or driving licence. Election officials will verify the voter’s name in the official voter register before permitting them to vote.

The decision was taken by the High-Level Election Security Committee, which has directed that polling officials, security personnel and other concerned stakeholders be clearly informed about the arrangement to avoid confusion on election day.

To implement the decision effectively, the Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed chief district officers and security agencies across the country to ensure proper coordination while strictly enforcing the election code of conduct.

The commission said the move is intended to safeguard citizens’ voting rights and promote broader participation in the electoral process, ensuring that the absence of a voter ID card does not prevent eligible voters from exercising their democratic right.