Karnataka Begins Special Intensive Revision of Electoral Rolls from June 30
Karnataka, along with four other states, will commence the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls from June 30, 2026. The exercise aims to update and purify the voter list ahead of upcoming elections. According to the Election Commission of India, the SIR process will continue for a specified period, with detailed guidelines issued to all concerned authorities.
Mandatory Documents for Voter Inclusion
For inclusion in the electoral roll under SIR, applicants must submit a permanent residence certificate issued by the state authority. This document serves as proof of domicile and is essential for verifying the voter's eligibility. The requirement is part of efforts to ensure that only genuine residents are enrolled, preventing duplicate or false entries.
The Election Commission has directed that the permanent residence certificate be obtained from the respective state government's designated offices. In Karnataka, the certificate can be procured from the Revenue Department or local tahsildar offices. The certificate must clearly state the applicant's name, address, and duration of residence.
States Participating in SIR
Besides Karnataka, the SIR will be conducted in four other states: Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The Election Commission has scheduled the revision in these states due to specific electoral requirements. The deadline for submitting claims and objections will be announced by the respective Chief Electoral Officers.
According to an Election Commission official, "The Special Intensive Revision is a targeted exercise to clean up the electoral rolls. The permanent residence certificate requirement ensures that only those with a genuine stake in the constituency are registered."
Impact and Next Steps
The SIR is expected to impact millions of voters across the five states. In Karnataka alone, over 5 crore voters are currently enrolled, and the revision may add or remove several lakh entries. The process includes door-to-door verification by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and public awareness campaigns.
Voters are advised to check their names on the electoral roll and file claims or objections if necessary. The final publication of the revised roll is scheduled for August 2026. The Election Commission has also set up a helpline and online portal for queries.
