Assam Releases Final Voter List After Special Revision, Net Decrease of 2.43 Lakh Voters
On Tuesday, Assam published the final voter list following the Special Revision (SR) of electoral rolls, revealing a net decrease of 2.43 lakh voters compared to the draft list released in December. The total number of voters in the final list now stands at 2,49,58,139, marking a 0.97% reduction from the draft version.
Background and Draft List Details
The draft voter list was initially published on December 27, 2025, comprising a total of 2,52,01,624 voters. This list was prepared after extensive house-to-house visits by Booth-Level Officers (BLOs), who conducted thorough verifications to ensure accuracy. During these visits, BLOs identified several categories for potential changes:
- Over 4.78 lakh names flagged for deletion due to the death of electors.
- 5.23 lakh voters identified as having shifted from their registered locations.
- 53,619 entries marked as duplicates requiring corrections.
However, these changes were not implemented immediately; they were subject to a formal claims and objections process, which followed the publication of the draft list.
Claims and Objections Process
The period after the draft list's release was designated for claims and objections, allowing stakeholders to participate in the electoral roll refinement. This phase enabled:
- New voters to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.
- Individuals to object to the inclusion of others on grounds such as death or relocation from the polling area.
This process, however, turned contentious in Assam. Voters across various constituencies received notices summoning them for hearings based on objections filed against their inclusion. In many cases, individuals lodged objections against dozens of existing voters, leading to logistical challenges. The scale of objections was so significant that hearings had to be temporarily halted in three constituencies in Nagaon until the district administration could expand infrastructure at the hearing centers.
Special Revision Context and Significance
In November 2025, it was announced that Assam would undergo a Special Revision of electoral rolls, unlike other states heading for elections in 2026. This decision was influenced by the ongoing National Register of Citizens (NRC) exercise, which has not yet reached its logical conclusion. Chief Electoral Officer officials described the Special Revision as a "modified version" of the annual Summary Revision, with the key addition of house-to-house visits by BLOs to enhance verification accuracy.
Appeal Window and Future Steps
Following the release of the final voter list, a 15-day appeal window has been instituted. During this period, decisions made by election registration officers can be appealed against to the respective District Magistrates. Additionally, a second appeal option is available within 30 days, providing further recourse for those dissatisfied with the outcomes.
This structured approach aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process, addressing concerns raised during the contentious claims and objections phase. The final list's publication marks a critical step in preparing for future elections in Assam, with ongoing efforts to maintain an accurate and updated voter database.
