The Election Commission Solved This 20-Year-Old EPIC Issue

In an era of increasing digital communication, the electoral rolls hold a crucial yet often-deimetally-positioned role. Each vote counted is recorded, verified, and stored in the EROs (Electronic Record-Keeping Operators). However, for decades, similar series were used by different EROs across states, leading to confusion about which entries were genuine electors. This issue, known as EPIC numbers, has lingered since 2005, impacting election integrity and trust.

In 2015, the Election Commission (EC) and subsequent agencies addressed this challenge. Their efforts ensured transparency by sanitizing electoral data, keeping it up-to-date. Through a comprehensive search and verification process involving Chief Electoral Officers from every state, Union Territories, Assembly constituencies, and polling stations, genuine electors were identified across over 99 crore electors.

The resolution’s impact:

The resolution marked a significant step toward accurate election tracking. It maintained trust in electoral processes by ensuring transparency, thereby fostering public confidence in governance. This instance underscores the importance of addressing challenges that undermine transparency in our democracy.

In conclusion, the EC’s proactive approach resolved this long-standing issue, highlighting the value of vigilance and effort in maintaining integrity. By solving EPIC numbers, the Commission not only fixed a problem but also set a precedent for improved transparency, ensuring future elections are trustworthy.