Visakhapatnam District Roll Observer S. Bhargavi called on all political parties to submit written, evidence‑backed objections to the draft roll. A special drive has been ordered to boost registration of eligible 18‑19‑year‑old voters.

  • All parties must file written, documented objections to roll discrepancies
  • Only 4,787 of an estimated 1,04,866 eligible 18‑19‑year‑olds are currently registered
  • Special enrollment drive and booth‑level verification mandated

Background

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR‑2026) in Visakhapatnam aims to produce a flawless, publicly accessible electoral roll. Transparency is critical to prevent duplication, migration errors, and dead‑voter entries.

Key Meeting Highlights

Roll Observer and Director of Tribal Welfare S. Bhargavi convened recognised political parties, Electoral Registration Officers (EROs), and District Collector Abhishikth Kishore. The agenda covered draft roll publication, pending Forms 6‑8, non‑returned voter forms, and identification of deceased or migrated voters.

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Focus on Young Voter Registration

Based on the projected 2026 population, 1,04,866 individuals aged 18‑19 should be eligible, yet only 4,787 have enrolled. Bhargavi directed officials to launch a targeted enrollment campaign for this demographic.

Transparency and Verification Measures

Officials are instructed to accelerate field‑level verification of deceased, migrated, or non‑responsive voters. Any of the 11 identity documents approved by the Election Commission may be used for voter identification, enhancing flexibility.

Call for Party Cooperation

Bhargavi urged parties to cooperate at the booth level, submit written complaints with supporting evidence, and help eliminate duplicate enrolments. EROs were asked to clear pending Forms 6‑8 swiftly and devise constituency‑wise action plans.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that transparent electoral rolls reduce vote‑rigging opportunities and boost public confidence, especially in a state like Andhra Pradesh where tribal welfare and youth participation are critical for democratic stability.

"A clean and complete electoral roll is the cornerstone of election legitimacy," says election analyst Dr. Anju Pant.
Did You Know?: India launched a dedicated online portal for 18‑19‑year‑old voter registration for the first time in 2025‑26.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if I find an error in the draft roll?
A: Prepare a written complaint, attach supporting documents, and submit it to your nearest ERO.

Q2: How will booth‑level agents be appointed for the 163 new polling stations?
A: Each political party must submit a list of appointed agents to the Collector for verification.