The Election Commission of India (ECI) has accelerated the process for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with the draft voter lists for several states and Union Territories now published for public scrutiny. This comprehensive, large-scale exercise, often preceding major elections, is designed to sanitize the electoral database, ensuring that only eligible names are included and duplicates, deceased, or permanently shifted entries are removed.
The urgency for citizens to verify their details cannot be overstated. Unlike the routine annual revisions, the SIR process has led to the deletion of lakhs of names across multiple states where the enumeration forms were not submitted or verification failed. Your right to vote in upcoming elections hinges on your name being present and correct on this draft roll. Therefore, every citizen who submitted an enumeration form or is a first-time voter must check their entry immediately to prevent disenfranchisement.
Who is Affected: States and Key Dates
The ECI is implementing the Special Intensive Revision in phases across multiple states and UTs. As of December 23, 2025, the draft rolls for several regions have been published, including a major release today:
- December 23, 2025: Draft Rolls published for Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
- Mid-December Releases: Draft Rolls previously released for states like West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, and Puducherry.
The most crucial deadline to remember is for the Claims and Objections period. For states like Madhya Pradesh and Kerala, this window typically runs until January 15, 2026, or January 22, 2026 respectively. This is the only chance for citizens to submit applications for inclusion (Form 6), deletion (Form 7), or correction (Form 8).
How to Check Your Name in the SIR Draft Roll
The ECI has provided multiple channels for easy verification. Voters do not need to physically visit the Election Registration Office unless they prefer to do so.
Online Verification Steps:
- Visit the Voters’ Service Portal: Navigate to the official ECI website’s Voters’ Service Portal (voters.eci.gov.in).
- Search the Electoral Roll: Use the “Search in Electoral Roll” feature. You can search using your EPIC (Voter ID) Number, your mobile number, or your personal details (Name, Father’s Name, Age, etc.).
- Download the PDF: Alternatively, visit the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) website for your state (e.g., CEO Kerala) and select the option to download the draft roll by District and Assembly Constituency. The roll is typically available as a booth-wise PDF.
- Voter Helpline App: The mobile application provides another convenient interface for searching the database.
Action Required If Your Name is Missing or Wrong
If your name is missing from the list, or if there are errors in your demographic details (name, age, address), immediate action is required during the Claims and Objections window:
- Missing Name (New Voter or Omission): You must fill and submit Form 6. This applies to eligible new voters turning 18 as of January 1, 2026, or existing voters whose names were incorrectly removed.
- Objection/Deletion (Deceased or Shifted): To object to the inclusion of an ineligible person (e.g., deceased relative, or someone who has permanently shifted), you must file Form 7.
- Correction in Details: If your name, age, or address has an error, you must file Form 8 to request a correction.
It is important to note that the ECI has made separate lists of deleted voters (often categorized as Absent, Shifted, or Deceased—ASD) available with Booth Level Officers (BLOs). If you suspect your name was incorrectly deleted, check this list and immediately file the appropriate form to appeal the deletion. The final electoral rolls, post-verification and disposal of all claims, are expected to be published on February 14, 2026.
FAQs
What does SIR stand for in the context of the voter list?
SIR stands for Special Intensive Revision. It is a comprehensive, large-scale verification and update exercise conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) to sanitize the electoral rolls ahead of major elections.
What is the final deadline for filing claims and objections against the draft roll?
The deadline for filing claims and objections varies slightly by state but is typically around January 15, 2026, or January 22, 2026, after the draft roll publication. Voters must submit Forms 6, 7, or 8 before this date.
What is the easiest way to check if my name is on the new draft list?
The fastest way is to visit the ECI’s Voters’ Service Portal (voters.eci.gov.in) and use the “Search by EPIC” (Voter ID Number) feature to locate your details on the draft electoral roll.
Disclaimer: This article reports on the official schedule and procedure for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls as notified by the Election Commission of India. Readers are strongly advised to consult the official ECI portal or their respective Chief Electoral Officer’s website for the most accurate and current dates, forms, and procedures applicable to their state.
