Chennai : Holds Special Voter Registration Camps Across All Assembly Segments

Chennai: Special voter registration camps are being organized on Sunday across all Assembly constituencies under the Chennai district. These camps are part of an extensive effort by election authorities to ensure that eligible citizens are not excluded from the electoral process. Covering all 16 Assembly segments, the initiative spans a total of 4,097 polling stations, making it one of the largest voter outreach exercises in the district in recent years.

Objective of the Special Camps

The primary objective of these special camps is to enroll new voters and assist eligible voters whose names were removed during the recent electoral roll revision. Election officials have clarified that the camps are designed to provide a final opportunity for affected citizens to verify their voter status and apply for re-inclusion before the rolls are finalised. This move aims to strengthen voter participation and ensure inclusivity in upcoming elections.

Background of the Electoral Roll Revision

The voter registration drive is part of the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, which commenced in November 2025. Following the completion of this revision exercise, a draft electoral roll was published. The draft revealed that nearly 15 lakh names had been deleted across the Chennai district, prompting concerns among residents and civic groups regarding voter exclusion.

Reasons Behind Deletion of Names

According to officials from the election department, a significant number of deletions occurred due to valid reasons. Around 1.50 lakh names were removed after voters were confirmed to be deceased. Another 1.60 lakh entries were deleted because officials were unable to contact the voters or verify their current residential details during the verification process.

Impact of Migration and Address Changes

A substantial portion of the remaining deletions involved voters who had shifted their residence. Many had moved to different Assembly constituencies either within the district or outside it. Officials explained that these voters continue to be eligible but were excluded due to changes in address, migration, or incomplete verification at the time of the revision. Such cases are a key focus of the ongoing camps.

Scale and Coverage of the Camps

To address these issues effectively, the Corporation has organised large-scale camps at all polling stations across the district. Each of the 4,097 polling stations under the 16 Assembly segments is hosting the camp, ensuring easy access for residents. Officials noted that this wide coverage is intended to minimise inconvenience and maximise public participation.

Eligibility and Required Documents

Election authorities have advised first-time voters, recently relocated residents, and those whose names were deleted to attend the camps with valid identity proof and address proof. These documents are essential for verification and processing applications for inclusion or re-inclusion in the voter list.

Important Deadline for Voters

The last date for inclusion of names in the electoral roll has been fixed as January 31. Officials emphasised that this is the final round of special camps before the electoral rolls are officially finalised. Citizens have been strongly urged to utilise this opportunity to avoid missing out on their right to vote.

Importance of Public Participation

Election officials stressed that active participation from citizens is crucial to ensuring fair, transparent, and inclusive elections across all constituencies. Once verification is completed, the final electoral roll will be published. Authorities believe that these camps play a vital role in correcting discrepancies and strengthening democratic participation in Chennai.