Election Commission Of India Launches Special Revision Of Electoral Roll In Assam For 2026 Elections

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated a Special Revision (SR) of the electoral roll in Assam, aiming to ensure comprehensive voter registration. This revision, mandated under Section 21 of the Representation of the People's Act 1950, targets 2,52,02,775 electors. Scheduled elections for the 126-member Assam Assembly are set for early next year, making this revision crucial.

In contrast to other states like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, where Special Intensive Revisions (SIR) are ongoing, Assam's SIR was postponed due to the unfinished National Register of Citizens. Around 29,656 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are actively conducting the SR in Assam. They will gather necessary forms such as Form 6 for new elector enrolment, Form 7 for deletions, and Form 8 for corrections or transfers.

Focus on Verification and Engagement

The verification process is thorough, requiring BLOs to visit each household until December 20. If a house is locked, BLOs must attempt verification at least three times. Additionally, 61,533 Booth Level Agents (BLAs) from various political parties are assisting in this task. The aim is to ensure every eligible person is registered accurately.

Assam's Chief Minister's Office emphasized the importance of this exercise on X, stating, "Ensuring every eligible citizen is enrolled, Assam begins the Special Revision of electoral rolls 2026. All eligible citizens are requested to check their voter details and submit necessary claims or objections within the notified timeline." This call to action underscores the significance of participation from the public.

Streamlining Electoral Procedures

Anurag Goel, Assam's Chief Electoral Officer, highlighted the necessity of including all eligible citizens. He clarified that being an 'ordinary resident' doesn't necessitate a permanent residence certificate (PRC). People from other states residing temporarily in Assam can also register. The SR focuses on physical verification by BLOs, differing from SIR by not requiring enumeration forms or document checks.

BLOs carry pre-filled registers to verify household member details. They use Form 7 for deleting deceased voters, Form 8 for address changes or corrections, and Form 6 for new voters or those who previously missed registration. This systematic approach ensures accuracy and comprehensiveness in the electoral roll.

Enhancing Polling Infrastructure

The Election Department plans to rationalise polling stations, decreasing the maximum number of voters per booth from 1,500 to 1,200 following the Election Commission's latest guidelines. This adjustment is expected to result in the creation of 1,826 new polling stations across Assam, facilitating smoother voting processes.

By the end of February, election dates may be announced, leaving limited time for final corrections post-February 10. The final electoral roll is set for publication on February 10, ensuring all updates and corrections are accounted for before the electoral event.

The Special Revision's initiation marks a vital step in preparing for the upcoming elections, ensuring that every eligible voter is included in Assam's electoral roll. The process highlights the importance of thorough verification and engagement from both officials and citizens.