Election Commission of India extends deadline for Special Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) — The deadline for special revision of voter lists in 12 states has now been extended by one week.
Election Commission extends deadline for Special Revision of Electoral Rolls (SIR) in 12 states
Amidst preparations for the upcoming assembly and other elections in India, the Election Commission has taken a significant step to ensure smooth and reliable election management. The ECI has extended the deadline for the ongoing “Special Intensive Revision” (SIR) of voter lists in 12 states and union territories—which includes verification of voter names, registration of new voters, deletion of dead, relocated, or duplicate names, etc.—by one week.
In which states/union territories is SIR ongoing?
The SIR process is ongoing in the following 12 states/union territories:
- Uttar Pradesh
- Madhya Pradesh
- Rajasthan
- Tamil Nadu
- Kerala
- West Bengal
- Gujarat
- Goa
- Chhattisgarh
- Puducherry
- Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Lakshadweep ([PTC News][2])
These states/unions fall in areas where assembly elections are due in the next 1–3 years, so it was essential to keep the voter list fresh and accurate.
New Schedule—What’s changed now?
According to the previous schedule, the last date for submitting voter enrollment forms was December 4, 2025. As every year, booth-level officers (BLOs) distributed the forms door-to-door, which voters had to fill out.
But now:
- The new last date for submitting forms has been set as December 11, 2025.
- Polling station rearrangement/rationalization will also be completed by this date.
- After that, the control table update and preparation of the draft electoral roll will take place between December 12–15, 2025.
- The draft electoral roll will be published on December 16, 2025—earlier scheduled for December 9.
- Claims or objections to voter names can then be filed from December 16, 2025, to January 15, 2026.
- Registration Offices (EROs) will hear and verify these claims and objections, and this process will continue until February 7, 2026.
- Finally, after reviewing the roll health standards, the final list is targeted to be published on February 14, 2026.
Thus, there is a delay of approximately one week overall compared to the previous schedule announced in April—but this delay is being seen as a way to ensure scheduling, verification, and greater inclusivity.
Why was this extension granted—What did the Election Commission say?
The Election Commission extended this deadline for several reasons:
- The previously announced deadline did not provide sufficient time for many voters, especially young, first-time voters. The extension will ensure they can enroll their names with the correct documents.
- Furthermore, allowing more time for the rationalization and reorganization of booth-level officers (BLOs) and polling stations will reduce the likelihood of errors.
- The ECI made this announcement in states with intense political activity—so clean lists and accurate information were essential for the credibility of the electoral process.
- Additionally, this move promotes voter awareness and democratic participation—by ensuring every eligible voter’s right to vote.
According to the ECI, this expansion is a positive step towards “inclusiveness, transparency, and equal voting opportunities for all eligible voters.”
Lessons for Voters—What Should You Do?
If you live in one of the 12 states where SIR is being conducted (including your state or a nearby state—such as Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, etc.):
- Ensure you complete your form (or verify your existing name) and submit it to the BLO by December 11, 2025.
- If you are a new voter, have the necessary documents (identity, address, age, residence, etc.) ready.
- Ensure your information is accurate and clear when filling out the form—to avoid any disputes or re-verifications.
- If your name does not appear in the draft list or there is an error, you can file a claim or objection between December 16, 2025, and January 15, 2026.
- Stay in touch with your BLO or local election office—and if there are any issues, have them resolved promptly.
This expansion will improve the voter registration process and allow more people to participate—so see this as an opportunity.
Detailed Background on SIR—What is this process and why is it necessary?
SIR (Special Intensive Revision) is a special intensive revision that involves completely updating the voter list, removing obsolete (dead or relocated) names, registering new voters, and correcting duplicate names/errors.
The aim is to ensure that the voter list for the upcoming elections is accurate, reliable, and fair—so that every citizen has an equal opportunity, and that the electoral process is not exploited by any irregularities or shortcomings in the voter list.
The ECI had not conducted intensive revisions in many states in the past several years—many voter lists were decades old. Now, the SIR will update those lists and ensure that everything is based on current information (latest addresses, names, ages, residences, etc.).
This measure will also ensure that foreigners, illegal immigrants, or false voters are removed from the list.