The Election Commission (EC) is updating electoral rolls in 17 states and Union territories ahead of upcoming elections and to ensure that eligible voters are not left out. The Special Summary Revision (SSR), with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date, aims to include new voters, correct existing entries and improve the accuracy of voter lists.
What is Special Summary Revision of electoral rolls?
Special Summary Revision (SSR) is an exercise to update existing electoral rolls by adding eligible new voters, particularly young and first-time electors, correcting errors and removing entries that are no longer valid.
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It allows eligible citizens whose names are missing from the voter list to apply for enrolment, while existing voters can seek corrections to their details. The exercise also involves verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and inviting claims and objections before the final electoral roll is published.
How is SSR different from Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The key difference between Special Summary Revision (SSR) and Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is the process used to update electoral rolls and enrol eligible voters.
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Under SSR, the Election Commission updates the existing electoral roll through claims and objections, corrections and the inclusion of eligible voters who are missing from the list. It provides an opportunity for young and first-time voters to register, while existing voters can seek corrections to their details.
SIR, on the other hand, involves an intensive enumeration exercise to verify electors and prepare electoral rolls. The process includes collecting and verifying voter information before publishing the draft roll, after which claims and objections are invited.
What has the Election Commission said?
The EC has announced SSR in 17 states and Union territories, with January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date. It aims to enrol eligible voters, particularly young and first-time electors, correct entries and improve the accuracy of voter lists.
The announcement covers poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. The terms of these Assemblies end at different points in 2027, making the revision relevant ahead of the elections.
State-level election offices have also issued updates on efforts to ensure that eligible voters are included in electoral rolls. Sikkim's CEO, for instance, said its special drive would cover all Assembly constituencies and reiterated the objective of ensuring that no eligible voter is left out.
What are Forms 6, 7 and 8?
Form 6: New voter registration
Form 6 is used by eligible Indian citizens to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll, including first-time voters and eligible citizens whose names are missing from the list.
Form 7: Objection or deletion of a name
Form 7 is used to raise an objection to the inclusion of a name in the electoral roll or seek deletion of an existing entry, including on grounds such as death, duplicate enrolment or ineligibility.
Form 8: Correction or change in voter details
Form 8 is used by existing voters to apply for shifting of residence, correction of entries in the electoral roll, replacement of an Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) or marking of a person with a disability (PwD).
What is the qualifying date, and why does it matter?
The Election Commission has set January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date for the Special Summary Revision. The exercise is intended to ensure that eligible citizens are included in the electoral rolls before the upcoming Assembly elections.
The EC's announcement includes Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur and Goa. Uttar Pradesh's 403-member Assembly completes its term on May 22, 2027. The terms of the 60-member Manipur, 40-member Goa, 117-member Punjab and 70-member Uttarakhand Assemblies end on different dates in March 2027.