New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in nine major states, including Kerala, and three Union Territories from today. The exercise, aimed at ensuring accuracy and transparency in the voter rolls ahead of key state elections, will continue until December 4, followed by the publication of the draft voter list on December 9.
Door-to-Door Enumeration Begins
As part of the SIR process, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have begun visiting households across participating regions to collect and verify voter information. Residents are required to provide details such as address, age, and identification proof to update or confirm their entries in the electoral roll. The enumeration process will focus on identifying new voters, deceased entries, address changes, and duplicate registrations.
Election officials have emphasized that citizen cooperation is crucial for ensuring the integrity of the electoral system. In addition to BLO visits, voters can verify and update their details through official online portals and mobile applications provided by the Election Commission of India.
States and Territories Covered
The SIR, which follows a similar exercise recently conducted in Bihar, is being implemented in the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, and Goa, as well as the Union Territories of Puducherry, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep.
Officials say the voter enumeration will cover approximately 51 crore registered electors across these regions. The revision aims to streamline electoral rolls before upcoming assembly elections, ensuring every eligible citizen is accurately represented.
Timeline and Process
The Special Intensive Revision will unfold in several stages:
- November 4 – December 4: Door-to-door verification and data collection by BLOs.
- December 9: Publication of the draft electoral rolls.
- December 9 – January 8: Period for filing objections, corrections, and claims regarding the draft list.
- February 7, 2026: Completion of the final voter list after all revisions and verifications.
The Election Commission has urged citizens to actively participate by checking their names in the draft roll once published and promptly reporting any errors or omissions.
Assam Excluded for Separate Revision
Notably, Assam which is also slated for elections next year has been excluded from the current SIR cycle. The Election Commission clarified that a separate order will be issued for Assam, taking into account its unique administrative and demographic circumstances.
Preparing for Early 2026 Elections
The ongoing voter list revision holds particular importance as it sets the stage for early 2026 Assembly elections in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, and Puducherry. The ECI aims to ensure updated rolls free from duplication and ineligible entries, strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
Officials underscore that the comprehensive three-month voter list cleansing process will not only facilitate smoother elections but also improve the inclusivity and credibility of India’s democratic machinery. Citizens are encouraged to cooperate fully with BLOs and use the ECI’s digital platforms to ensure names and details are accurately reflected.