The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka has commenced, but voters are facing confusion due to conflicting instructions from different Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The exercise, aimed at updating the voter list, began on July 1, 2026, and will continue until July 31, 2026.
Mixed Messages from BLOs
Many voters reported receiving varying guidelines from BLOs visiting their homes. Some BLOs asked for Aadhaar cards, while others demanded voter ID cards or other documents. This inconsistency has led to uncertainty among residents about which forms to fill and what documents to submit.
In Bengaluru, a voter named Ramesh K. said, “The BLO who came to my house told me to fill Form 6 for new registration, but my neighbor was told to fill Form 8 for correction. We are both existing voters. It is confusing.”
CEO’s Directive
Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V. Anbukkumar has instructed all officials to ensure that BLOs follow the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) guidelines uniformly. In a circular issued on July 2, he directed that BLOs must distribute enumeration forms as per the ECI’s prescribed format and provide clear, consistent instructions to voters.
“BLOs have been asked to visit each household and hand over the relevant forms based on the voter’s status. They must also explain the process clearly to avoid any confusion,” Anbukkumar stated.
Impact on Voter Participation
The SIR is crucial for updating the electoral roll ahead of the upcoming local body elections. According to the ECI, over 5.2 million new voters are expected to be added in Karnataka during this revision. However, the confusion may deter some from participating.
An estimated 2.3 million existing voters need corrections or deletions in their entries. The CEO’s office has set up a helpline (1950) for queries, but many remain unaware of the facility.
ECI Guidelines
The ECI has prescribed specific forms: Form 6 for new registration, Form 7 for deletion, Form 8 for correction, and Form 8A for change of address. BLOs are required to distribute these forms based on the household’s need.
“If a voter is already enrolled but has changed address, they should fill Form 8A. If they have a mistake in name or age, it is Form 8. Every BLO must carry a checklist to identify the correct form,” an ECI official said.
Way Forward
To address the confusion, the CEO has ordered refresher training for all BLOs by July 5. Additionally, a monitoring team will conduct random checks to ensure compliance.
“We are committed to a smooth SIR process. Voters should not hesitate to contact us if they face any issues,” Anbukkumar added.
