Election Commission of India launches campaign to restore omitted voters

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has ordered a special campaign in 20 states and union territories where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists has already concluded. This initiative aims to re-enroll eligible voters whose names were omitted during the SIR process, including first-time and young voters.

Following reports of mass omissions, the ECI has instructed Booth Level Officers (BLOs) to conduct door-to-door verifications. BLOs will compare current lists with pre-SIR records to identify missing voters and assist them in submitting Form 6. To simplify the process, the ECI has removed an additional, controversial requirement from Form 6 that previously asked if a new applicant's parents or grandparents were on previous voter lists.

The move follows internal scrutiny and investigative reports suggesting that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had raised objections regarding decision-making processes and changes to the 'ECInet' software and Form 6 during the revision period. The commission has also directed the establishment of help desks at District and Electoral Registration Officer offices to facilitate the enrollment of eligible citizens.