Nationwide Voter Roll Cleanup Begins: EC Launches ‘Special Intensive Revision’ in 12 States Including Kerala

NEW DELHI: The Election Commission (EC) of India has announced the schedule for the second phase of a nationwide Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, with proceedings set to begin immediately in 12 states and Union Territories, including Kerala.

Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar confirmed the massive voter roll cleanup during a press conference in Delhi, stating that preparatory work in the 12 regions will commence tomorrow (October 28).

The SIR is a rare, comprehensive effort aimed at updating and purifying voter lists across the country, which the CEC noted hasn’t been done nationwide for over 21 years (the last major SIR was conducted between 2002 and 2004).

“As per law, electoral rolls have to be revised before every election or as per requirement,” CEC Kumar stated. He explained that due to frequent migration over the past two decades, many voters may be registered in multiple locations, necessitating the intensive revision.

List of Indicative (not Exhaustive) Documents

1. Any Identity card/Pension Payment Order issued to regular employee/pensioner of any Central Govt./State Govt./PSU.
2. Any Identity Card/Certificate/Document issued in India by Government/local authorities/Banks/Post Office/LIC/PSUs prior to 01.07.1987.
3. Birth Certificate issued by the competent authority.
4. Passport
5. Matriculation/Educational certificate issued by recognised Boards/universities
6. Permanent Residence certificate issued by competent State authority
7. Forest Right Certificate
8. OBC/SC/ST or any caste certificate issued by the Competent authority
9. National Register of Citizens (wherever it exists)
10. Family Register, prepared by State/Local authorities.
11. Any land/house allotment certificate by Government
12. For Aadhaar, Commission’s directions issued vide letter No. 23/2025-ERS/Vol.Il dated 09.09.2025 shall apply.

Phase 1 Success and Political Outreach

The announcement follows the successful completion of the first phase of SIR in Bihar during June and July, culminating in the publication of the final roll on September 30. The EC highlighted the rigorous process, noting that there were “zero appeals” filed against any wrongful deletions in Bihar.

The EC also confirmed that state Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) will hold detailed discussions with political parties to explain the SIR process. Furthermore, training will be provided to Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and the booth-level agents nominated by political parties. Applications for the revision can be submitted both physically and online.

Kerala’s Inclusion and Local Election Context

Kerala’s inclusion in the current phase comes despite earlier suggestions from political parties within the state to postpone the SIR until after the upcoming local body elections. The Commission had previously indicated that this suggestion was under consideration, but the announcement confirms the revision will proceed as scheduled.

CEC Kumar addressed the broader political context, noting that opposition parties have “been raising issues relating to the quality of voter rolls” and that the SIR is a necessary measure to ensure accurate lists for future elections. The second phase will proceed swiftly, with the revision in other states beginning after the conclusion of the Bihar Assembly elections next month.