The Election Commission has published the draft electoral rolls for Maharashtra, revealing a massive exclusion of 2.08 crore voters. Citizens are urged to verify their names and submit claims before the September 30 deadline.
- Draft electoral rolls for all 288 Maharashtra Assembly constituencies are now public.
- Approximately 2.08 crore voters (21.14% of the previous list) have been excluded.
- Claims and objections window is open from August 31 to September 30, 2026.
- Final electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on November 4, 2026.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially released the draft electoral rolls for all 288 Assembly constituencies in Maharashtra following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise. The data reveals a significant shift in the state's electorate, with a substantial number of voters missing from the current draft.
Out of the 9.78 crore voters previously registered, only 7.71 crore (78.86%) have been included in the new draft. This includes 3.95 crore male voters, 3.75 crore female voters, and 3,087 third-gender voters. The exclusion of 2.08 crore voters has sparked urgency among the citizenry to verify their registration status immediately.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that a 21% reduction in the electorate is an unusually high margin for a revision exercise. Such a massive deletion could potentially impact voter turnout and electoral outcomes if not corrected during the claims period. The exclusions are attributed to deaths, shifts in residence, duplicate entries, or failure to submit enumeration forms during the SIR process.
The integrity of the democratic process relies on an inclusive and accurate voter list; missing millions of names necessitates a rigorous verification drive.
To rectify these omissions, the ECI has opened a window for claims and objections. Eligible voters whose names are missing, or those turning 18 by October 1, 2026, must submit Form 6. For corrections to existing details (name, age, address), Form 8 is required, while Form 7 is used for objecting to an entry. These applications must be submitted via the Voter Service Portal by September 30.
The process is not without controversy. In Navi Mumbai, a BJP worker was recently apprehended for illegally photocopying 3,400 SIR forms containing sensitive voter details, leading to the suspension of five Booth Level Officers (BLOs). This incident highlights the vulnerabilities in the data handling process during intensive revisions.
Infrastructure updates were also part of the SIR. While 394 new polling stations were created, 431 were removed, bringing the total to 1,00,216. Additionally, 1,403 polling stations were shifted from temporary structures to permanent buildings, particularly in Mumbai City, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, and Palghar districts.
| Metric | Pre-SIR Electorate | Draft Roll (Current) |
|---|---|---|
| Total Voters | 9.78 Crore | 7.71 Crore |
| Change | - | -2.08 Crore (21.14%) |
| Polling Stations | 1,00,649 (Approx) | 1,00,216 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How can I check if my name is on the voter list?
You can verify your status through the Election Commission of India’s official Voter Service Portal.
Q2: What is the deadline for submitting Form 6 for new registrations?
The window for claims and objections, including Form 6 submissions, closes on September 30, 2026.
