Electoral Rolls – Karnataka Launches Voter Roll Verification Drive Across State
Electoral Rolls – Karnataka has begun a month-long verification exercise for electoral rolls, with the state government and election authorities urging eligible citizens to complete the required formalities to protect their voting rights.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Monday appealed to residents across Karnataka to actively participate in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which commenced on June 30. Addressing a press conference, he said the verification process is an important step in ensuring that every eligible voter remains listed in the electoral rolls. He encouraged people to cooperate with election officials by submitting the required documents, updated information, and recent photographs during the exercise.
Government Calls for Public Cooperation
Shivakumar emphasized that officials assigned to the voter verification campaign would distribute enumeration forms and collect necessary details from households. He urged citizens to provide accurate information without delay, stating that the state government would extend full support to ensure eligible voters are able to retain their voting rights.
The Chief Minister also noted that representatives from different political parties would assist residents wherever needed during the verification process. He reminded first-time voters who have attained the age of 18 that they can apply for voter registration through Form Six, while election officials will guide new applicants regarding the required documentation.
Help Desks Set Up Across Polling Booths
To make the process more accessible, Shivakumar said help desks have been established at polling stations and booth-level centres throughout the state. These facilities are intended to assist citizens in completing the verification process and submitting the necessary forms.
He cautioned that individuals who do not complete the enumeration process within the prescribed timeline risk having their names removed from the electoral rolls, potentially affecting their ability to vote in future elections. The Chief Minister also stated that special administrative instructions have been issued to verify permanent residence details for every household, with the required certificates available for online download.
Month-Long Verification Exercise
According to the schedule announced by the authorities, the Special Intensive Revision will continue from June 30 until July 29. During this period, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit households, distribute enumeration forms, and verify voter information to ensure the electoral database remains accurate and updated.
Election authorities have urged all eligible voters to respond promptly when contacted and submit the requested documents within the specified deadline to avoid complications during the revision process.
Congress Begins Awareness Campaign
Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President BK Hariprasad announced that the party has launched a statewide awareness campaign to encourage maximum public participation in the revision exercise. The initiative is aimed particularly at helping voters in rural regions and economically weaker communities complete the required documentation.
Hariprasad said the Congress has appointed observers across districts and talukas to spread awareness and assist voters in submitting their enumeration forms to Booth Level Officers. According to him, party workers will work closely with local residents to ensure eligible citizens are not left out of the electoral rolls due to procedural delays or lack of information.
Political Differences Over Revision Process
The voter verification exercise has also become a subject of political debate. Hariprasad alleged that the revision process could adversely affect poor voters and claimed that the BJP was attempting to exclude sections of eligible voters through the exercise. The Congress has strongly opposed what it describes as efforts that may lead to disenfranchisement.
The revision process, however, continues under the supervision of election authorities, with the government urging all eligible citizens to complete the required formalities within the notified period to ensure their names remain on the voter list