If you’ve ever filled out an application for a Voter ID card (EPIC) in India, you’ve likely paused at one field: “Name of Relative of Applicant.” Many people wonder whose name they should write there and why the form asks for it. This guide explains it in plain language.
The Simple Meaning
“Name of Relative of Applicant” asks for the name of a close family member connected to you, the person applying to be a voter. In Form 6 (the form for new voter registration), it appears alongside a “Relation Type” option, where you choose how that person is related to you:
- Father
- Mother
- Husband
- Wife
- Other
The name you enter here later appears on your Voter ID card and in the electoral roll, usually printed as “Father’s Name,” “Mother’s Name,” or “Husband’s Name,” depending on the relation you selected.
Why Does the Election Commission Ask for This?
At first glance it seems like one more box to fill, but there is a good reason for it.
1. It tells apart people with the same name: India has millions of voters, and many share common names. Without a relative’s name, two people called “Ramesh Kumar” in the same constituency could easily be confused. The relative’s name acts as a second identifier and helps keep the electoral roll accurate.
2. It helps with verification: Election officials use this detail, along with your name, age, and address, to confirm your identity during field verification and when checking for duplicate entries.
3. It helps prevent duplicate registrations: If someone is accidentally registered twice, matching details like the relative’s name help officials spot and remove the duplicate.
4. It keeps the electoral roll consistent: Every entry in the electoral roll is laid out the same way, listing the voter’s name first and then the relative’s name and relationship, which makes records quick to read and verify.
Which Relative’s Name Should You Enter?
You get to choose the relative yourself, and what suits you best will depend on your personal situation. Below are the most common cases.
- If you are single: Most first-time voters write a parent’s name, and the father’s name is the most common choice. Listing your mother instead of your father is equally valid.
- If you are a married woman: You can list your husband, or you can keep your father as the relative if that matches the rest of your documents. Neither choice is wrong. What matters is that your card tells the same story as your other IDs.
- If you are a married man: Many men keep their father’s name on the card. Some men go with their wife’s name, which the form allows without any problem.
- If your situation is different: Maybe your parents have passed away, you were raised by someone else, or you are not currently married. In that case, pick “Other” as the relation type and write the name of your guardian or another close relative.
Example of How to Fill in the Relative's Name
Suppose you are applying for a new Voter ID and your details are as follows:
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Applicant's name | Arun Kumar |
| Relationship selected | Father |
| Name of relative | Ramesh Kumar |
In this example, Arun Kumar is the applicant, and Ramesh Kumar is his father. Therefore, he enters Ramesh Kumar in the relative's name field and selects “Father” as the relationship.
This is only an illustrative example. Enter your actual details in the application.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling in Relative Details
- Incorrect spelling: Check the relative’s name before entering it.
- Incomplete name: Provide the name in the format requested by the form.
- Wrong relationship: Ensure the selected relationship matches the person named.
- Missing details: Complete all mandatory fields before submitting.
- No final review: Double-check the information to catch errors before submission.
What If the Relative’s Name on Your Voter ID Is Wrong?
Mistakes happen, and they can be fixed. You can apply for a correction using Form 8 (for corrections in your entries) through the official Voters’ Service Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) or the Voter Helpline mobile app, or by contacting your local Electoral Registration Officer or Booth Level Officer (BLO). You’ll generally need to upload a supporting document that shows the correct details. Once the request is approved, you can download an updated e-EPIC or receive a corrected card.
Final Thoughts
“Name of Relative of Applicant” is a small field with a real purpose. It helps ensure that every voter is correctly identified and that the electoral roll stays clean and trustworthy. Fill it in carefully, use the exact spelling from your documents, and select the right relation type.
Note: Form names, portal layouts, and procedures can be updated by the Election Commission of India. Always check the official ECI website or your local election office for the latest instructions before applying.