BMC Election 2026 : No Voting ID? Don't Worry; Voting Allowed with 11 IDs

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) general elections will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Citizens whose names are registered in the municipal voter list have the right and privilege to vote in this election. The election administration has completed the necessary preparations to facilitate the voting process for voters. Voter slips containing information about the voter's name in the municipal voter list, list part number, serial number, and polling station location are being distributed door-to-door. This will enable voters to easily find their polling station. The administration has urged citizens to make it a point to vote.

In this election, eligible voters can vote at the polling station after showing their Voter ID. However, if an eligible voter does not have a Voter ID, there is no need to worry. According to the State Election Commission's orders, voting is allowed by showing any one of the 11 alternative identity cards. The purpose behind this decision is to encourage more voters to participate in the voting process. Meanwhile, to maintain the confidentiality and discipline of the election process, carrying mobile phones to the polling station is prohibited. Therefore, voters are urged by the administration to keep their mobile phones outside the polling station at their own risk. It has also been warned that action may be taken against those who violate this rule.

List of acceptable identity cards for voting

1. Voter ID

2. Passport

3. Aadhaar Card

4. Driving License

5. PAN Card

6. Photo ID of government employees

7. Passbook with photo of account holder from nationalized bank or post office

8. Disability certificate with photo issued by competent authorities

9. Health insurance scheme card with photo issued by the Ministry of Labour, Government of India

10. Pension card with photo

11. Identity card with photo of freedom fighter

To ensure the election proceeds smoothly, adequate staff, police security, and necessary facilities have been provided at each polling station. The administration has also clarified that special arrangements have been made for senior citizens, differently-abled voters, and pregnant women. The administration has urged all voters to cast their votes early in the morning to exercise their democratic right. The Election Commission has appealed that no voter should be deprived of voting, as even one vote strengthens democracy.