The Election Commission has released the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) draft voter lists for Delhi and Maharashtra, revealing that millions of names have been omitted due to verification and digitization hurdles.

  • Over 2.07 crore voters removed from Maharashtra's draft list and 47.56 lakh from Delhi's.
  • Omissions are due to digitization failures, missing forms, deaths, and relocations.
  • Citizens have until September 30, 2026, to file claims or objections via Form 6, 7, or 8.

In a massive administrative exercise aimed at purifying electoral rolls, the Election Commission has released the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) draft voter lists for Delhi and Maharashtra. The data reveals a staggering number of omissions: approximately 2.07 crore voters in Maharashtra and 47.56 lakh voters in Delhi have been excluded from the current draft rolls.

According to official reports, the primary reasons for these exclusions include failed house-to-house verifications, non-submission of digitization forms, and technical glitches. Furthermore, the lists have been scrubbed of duplicate entries, deceased individuals, foreigners, and those who have permanently shifted their residence.

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In Delhi, out of 1.45 crore registered voters, only about 97.53 lakh records have been successfully digitized so far, leaving nearly 47.56 lakh citizens in a state of electoral limbo. Maharashtra faces a similar crisis on a larger scale, with over 2 crore names missing from the draft roll due to pending documentation.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such large-scale omissions can lead to significant disenfranchisement if not corrected promptly. While the SIR process is essential for removing 'ghost voters' and ensuring a fair election, the sheer volume of missing names suggests a systemic gap in the digitization process. This could potentially impact voter turnout and democratic representation in future polls if the rectification window is not utilized effectively.

"The Special Intensive Revision is a double-edged sword; while it ensures the integrity of the roll, the burden of proof now shifts to the citizen to reclaim their right to vote."

The Election Commission has provided a clear roadmap for affected citizens. From August 31 to September 30, 2026, voters can submit claims and objections. The disposal of these claims will continue until October 29, 2026, leading up to the publication of the final voter list on November 4, 2026.

To rectify these errors, the commission has designated specific forms: Form 6 for adding a missing name, Form 7 for objecting to an ineligible name, and Form 8 for corrections in EPIC details or address changes. All these can be accessed via the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) websites of the respective states.

Region Names Removed/Missing Digitized Records
Delhi 47.56 Lakh 97.53 Lakh
Maharashtra 2.07 Crore Pending/Partial
Did You Know?: The EPIC (Electors Photo Identity Card) was first introduced in India in 1993 to prevent electoral fraud and impersonation during voting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What should I do if my name is missing from the draft list?
You should immediately fill out Form 6 on the CEO's official website before September 30, 2026, to request the addition of your name.

Q2: When will the final voter list be published?
The final, corrected voter list is scheduled to be published on November 4, 2026.