The Election Commission of India (ECI) has taken a significant step towards the 2026 electoral process by publishing the draft electoral rolls for five states and Union Territories today, on December 16, 2025. This marks the culmination of the enumeration phase under the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
Which States and UTs Are Included in Today's Draft Publication?
The draft voter lists released today pertain to West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. The Commission confirmed that all individuals who successfully submitted their enumeration forms during the recently concluded SIR drive will find their names included in this preliminary draft. To ensure transparency and facilitate scrutiny, the ECI has mandated that Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs) and District Electoral Officers (DEOs) supply physical copies of these draft rolls to every recognised political party in these regions.
Online Access and Verification for Voters
In a move that prioritises voter convenience, the draft rolls have not been limited to physical copies. The Election Commission has directed that the lists be uploaded to the official websites of the respective state and district electoral officers. This allows every citizen to easily verify their registration details online from anywhere.
The online portals will host comprehensive data, including the main draft roll. Additionally, they will feature separate lists categorising voters who have been flagged due to specific reasons. These categories typically include individuals marked as absent, those who have shifted to a different constituency, voters who are deceased, and entries suspected of being duplicated. This level of detail is intended to help citizens identify and correct any discrepancies in their records.
Revised Timelines for Other States and Union Territories
The publication schedule for draft rolls has seen revisions for several other regions undergoing the Special Intensive Revision. In an official statement released on December 11, the ECI announced extended deadlines to ensure thorough enumeration.
For Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, the enumeration process was extended until December 14. Consequently, the draft electoral rolls for these states are now scheduled for publication on December 19.
The timeline for Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is slightly later. Enumeration activities there will continue until December 18, with the draft rolls expected to be made public on December 23.
Uttar Pradesh, given its size and population, has the longest revised timeline. The enumeration drive in UP is set to conclude on December 26, and the state's draft electoral roll will be published on December 31, 2025.
Next Steps for Voters
The publication of the draft roll is not the final step. It initiates a crucial period for claims and objections. Voters are strongly encouraged to check their details online or via the physical copies available with Booth Level Officers (BLOs). If any details are incorrect, or if a eligible voter's name is missing, they must file a claim or objection within the stipulated period. This process is vital for the preparation of the accurate and final electoral roll ahead of the 2026 elections. The ECI's emphasis on online access and transparency aims to empower citizens and strengthen the democratic framework by ensuring no eligible voter is left out.
