The office of Gujarat's Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) reported a significant surge in public participation for the ongoing revision of the state's voter list. In a major development following the publication of the draft electoral roll, a total of 69,760 citizens submitted Form 6 across various districts in just three days to get their names included in the final list.
Deadline and Process for Voter List Revision
The draft electoral roll for Gujarat was officially published on December 19. As part of a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, the window for citizens to submit claims and objections remains open until January 18. During this period, eligible voters can file various forms to include, delete, or correct entries in the electoral roll.
According to an official statement, the period from December 20 to 22 witnessed remarkable activity. While thousands sought inclusion, 11,074 citizens submitted Form 7 to request the removal of names from their respective assembly constituencies. Election officials have confirmed they will verify the validity of all objections and address them as per the established procedure.
Large-Scale Cleanup of Electoral Database
The SIR exercise has also led to a substantial cleanup of the state's voter database. The CEO's office revealed that 73.73 lakh (7.373 million) names have been omitted from the state electoral roll for this revision cycle. This large-scale removal is attributed to several verified reasons including permanent shifting of residence, individuals being absent during the house-to-house enumeration phase, death of voters, and the identification of duplicate voter cards.
This rigorous process aims to create a more accurate and updated electoral roll, which is fundamental for ensuring the integrity of the democratic process. The high number of Form 6 submissions indicates strong public awareness and a desire to participate in upcoming elections.
What Voters Need to Do Next
The CEO has urged all eligible voters in Gujarat to check their enrollment status promptly. Those who wish to be added to the roll or have corrections made must submit the requisite forms by the January 18 deadline. Officials are available at designated locations to assist citizens with the process, ensuring every legitimate voter gets the opportunity to be registered.
