NEW DELHI : The Election Commission on Saturday held a meeting announcing a set of changes to make the verification process easier for voters. The poll panel said electors who receive notices over unmapped records or logical discrepancies will not have to appear for a mandatory hearing before the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). Instead, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit their homes, collect the required documents and upload them on ECINet.
The Commission said hearings will now be held only in exceptional cases and, preferably, online. An authorised family member will also be allowed to appear on behalf of an elector..
Special Help Desks For Vulnerable Groups:
District Election Officers (DEOs) have been directed to arrange special camps and help desks for people who may face difficulties during the SIR process.
The facilities will cater to people living in night shelters, labourers, poor people and the homeless, the Commission said.
ECINet System To Be Reviewed:
The Election Commission has also ordered a review of the ECINet system to examine its compliance with election laws and procedures.
A committee headed by a Senior Deputy Election Commissioner will conduct the review. An independent expert from an IIT or IIIT will also be included in the panel.
The EC’s voter services platform currently provides SIR-related services, including the submission of documents against notices and searches of previous electoral rolls.
SIR Deadlines Extended In Delhi, Maharashtra:
The Commission has extended the deadline for filing claims and objections in Delhi to October 30, 2026. The deadline for disposing of notices and claims and objections has been extended to November 30.
In Maharashtra, voters can now submit claims and objections until October 12, while the disposal deadline has been extended to November 10, 2026.
The ECI’s published SIR schedule confirms that Delhi and Maharashtra are among the states and Union Territories covered under the current 2026 revision exercise.
SIR Completed In 20 States And UTs:
The Commission said the SIR exercise has been completed in 20 States and Union Territories. Those left out of the electoral rolls, including young and first-time voters, can seek inclusion through the continuous updation process.
The ECI has also reiterated that the SIR order and the subsequent schedules were approved unanimously by the full Commission. The press note was issued with the approval of the full Commission.
EC Defends Unanimity:
The Election Commission also defended the unanimity of its decisions, saying the SIR order and the subsequent schedules were approved unanimously by the full Commission. It also noted that the Supreme Court had upheld the SIR order. The latest press note was issued with the approval of the full Commission.
