Draft Electoral Rolls and Voter Lists

Election Commission of India: Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Overview

1. Electoral Roll Draft Publication:

   • Date: December 16, 2025
   • States/UTs: West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, Lakshadweep.
   • Purpose: Ongoing SIR 2.0 to update voter lists ahead of upcoming elections.

2. Voter Statistics:

   • West Bengal:
     • Total: 7.6 crore voters
     • Included in draft: 7.08 crore (92.4%)
     • Names removed: 58 lakh (24.16 lakh due to death, 32.65 lakh due to absence/shifted, 1.38 lakh enrolled at multiple places).
   • Rajasthan:
     • Total: 5.46 crore voters
     • Included: 5.04 crore (92.34%)
     • Names removed: 42 lakh (8.76 lakh deceased, 29.6 lakh absent/shifted, 3.44 lakh multiple enrollments).
   • Goa:
     • Total: 11.85 lakh
     • Included: 10.84 lakh (91.56%)
     • Names removed: 1.01 lakh (25,574 deceased, 72,471 absent/shifted, 1,997 multiple enrollments).
   • Puducherry:
     • Total: 10.21 lakh
     • Included: 9.18 lakh (89.87%)
     • Names removed: 1.07 lakh (20,798 deceased, 80,645 absent/shifted, 2,024 multiple enrollments).
   • Lakshadweep:
     • Total: 57,813
     • Included: 56,384 (97.53%)
     • Names removed: 1,429 (705 deceased, 252 absent/shifted, 472 multiple enrollments).

3. Draft List Process:

   • Voters not required to submit documents to appear in the draft list.
   • Notices will be issued for verification if names are in doubt.
   • Inclusion of names from previous lists that were not mapped during the last revision (2002-2003).

4. Claims and Objections Period:

   • Dates: December 16, 2025 - January 15, 2026.
   • Existing/prospective electors can file claims or objections regarding voter inclusion or deletions.
   • Verification phase ends on February 7, with final rolls to be published on February 14.

5. Technological Aspects:

   • Draft rolls and details available on Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) websites, Election Commission’s voter portal, and ECINET application.

6. Issue Concerning Booth Level Officers:

   • SIR 2.0 has faced postponements reportedly due to pressure on booth officers, linked to stress-related incidents, including suicides.

7. National Importance:

   • The electoral revision is critical for ensuring a reliable and updated voter registry ahead of significant state elections, reflecting the democratic process.

8. Constitutional Relevance:

   • This exercise reflects the mandate under Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, which provides for the election of the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and the Legislative Assemblies of the States, emphasizing universal adult franchise.

These notes summarize the key points regarding the ongoing voter registration process and its implications in India’s electoral landscape.