Election Commission Extends Electoral Roll Revision to August 8

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka until August 8, introducing special weekend campaigns to assist voters in completing their enumeration forms. Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) for Karnataka, V. Anbu Kumar, confirmed the decision during a press briefing on Wednesday, noting that district election officials will tailor the campaign modes based on local needs.

Voter Assistance Through Help Desks and House Visits

To ensure accessibility, the campaign will deploy help desks at polling stations in some areas, while Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct house-to-house visits in others. “The objective is to ensure every eligible voter receives the enumeration form and can submit it without difficulty,” Mr. Kumar stated. Information about the campaign will be disseminated through Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SWEEP) activities.

Revised Timeline for Electoral Roll Updates

The decision to extend SIR came after demands from various stakeholders and a formal request from the CEO. Under the revised schedule, BLOs will continue house visits until August 8, which is also the deadline for rationalising and reorganising polling stations. The draft electoral roll is set to be published on August 17, with claims and objections accepted until September 16. Final disposal of claims and objections will conclude by October 15, and the final electoral roll will be published on October 19.

Progress Report: Distribution and Digitisation

As of Wednesday, 95.69% of enumeration forms, over 5.30 crore, had been distributed, while 40.70% (2.25 crore forms) had been digitised. Mr. Kumar highlighted that 14.49 lakh electors have been identified under the Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate, and Others (ASDDO) category. These lists have been shared with recognised political parties for verification through their Booth Level Agents (BLAs).

“All Electoral Registration Officers have been directed to provide the ASDDO lists to political parties for scrutiny. Regular meetings between BLOs and BLAs are being held to rectify errors, if any, after verification,” Mr. Kumar added. Progress reports are being shared with political parties every two hours to maintain transparency.

Regional Highlights and Voter Appeal

Thirteen districts have achieved 100% distribution of enumeration forms, with Chickballapur leading digitisation efforts at 64%, followed by Haveri (62%) and Kolar (59%). In the Greater Bengaluru Area, distribution stands at 79%, though digitisation remains lower at 7.5%. Officials expect an uptick in digitisation rates in the coming weeks.

Mr. Kumar urged voters to promptly fill, sign, and return their forms to BLOs. He also clarified that individuals turning 18 on or before October 1 can apply for inclusion in the electoral rolls during the claims and objections period after the draft roll is published.

This extension and the intensified campaign aim to ensure maximum voter inclusion and accuracy in Karnataka’s electoral rolls ahead of upcoming elections.

Source: The Hindu