BLOs to conduct door-to-door surveys, organise special camps and facilitate Form 6 applications to update electoral rollsNew Delhi:
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a special drive to include eligible voters whose names were left out of electoral rolls, along with young and first-time voters, in states and Union Territories where the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) has been completed.According to a report by The Indian Express, the initiative aims to help eligible citizens register as voters through the prescribed statutory process. The move follows discussions and reports on social media and in the media about voters missing from electoral rolls.How Will the Special Drive Work?In the 20 states and Union Territories where the SIR process has already been completed, eligible applicants can use Form 6 to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll. According to the report, the form will not include the additional question asking applicants to establish a link with their family members in the previous SIR list.Key Measures Under the CampaignVerification of electoral rolls: Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will compare the current electoral rolls with the lists prepared before the SIR.Door-to-door surveys: BLOs will identify eligible voters whose names are missing and visit households to verify their details. Eligible applicants will be assisted in submitting Form 6.Weekly outreach targets: BLOs will be expected to reach at least 20–25 voters every week, with the exercise scheduled to be completed in approximately one month.Special registration camps: Camps will be organised at the booth level, including outreach efforts for people living in night shelters, labour settlements and other vulnerable circumstances, as well as homeless and disadvantaged citizens.Participation of political parties: Lists prepared during the exercise and Form 6 applications will be shared with Booth Level Agents (BLAs) of recognised political parties.Instructions Issued After October 1 MeetingThe directions were issued following a high-level meeting with Chief Electoral Officers on October 1. The campaign is intended to facilitate the registration of eligible citizens who may have been left out of the electoral rolls and to help young people register for their first vote.The inclusion of a name in the electoral roll remains subject to the applicable eligibility requirements and verification process.
