The Election Commission of India (ECI) is continuing its Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls across several states and Union Territories. The exercise is aimed at checking voter lists, identifying eligible electors and removing duplicate, ineligible or otherwise incorrect entries. As the process continues, several statutory forms have become important for voters who want to register, correct their details, shift their address or raise an objection.
SIR Enumeration Form
Existing voters covered by SIR receive a pre-filled enumeration form. It generally contains details such as the elector’s name, EPIC number, photograph, polling-part information, address and date of birth. Voters can provide updated information, including a current photograph and mobile number, while Aadhaar details are optional.
Form 6: New Voter Registration
Form 6 is used by eligible citizens seeking inclusion in the electoral roll. During SIR, it has also become the route for voters whose names were left out of a draft revised roll to seek re-enrolment.
The use of an additional declaration alongside Form 6 during parts of the SIR process has generated debate. Reports said two Election Commissioners had raised concerns about changes associated with the online form. The ECI, however, said the statutory Form 6 itself had not been amended and that the additional declaration was applicable during SIR.
Form 7: Objections and Deletion Requests
Form 7 allows an elector to object to another person’s inclusion in the electoral roll or request deletion of a name. It can also be used by an elector seeking deletion of their own name.
This form has been at the centre of recent controversy, particularly in Karnataka, where officials received allegations of bulk Form 7 submissions seeking removal of voters. Political leaders have made competing allegations regarding the purpose and source of some applications, while the ECI has directed officials to examine false declarations and take action where warranted. Importantly, a Form 7 submission is a request or objection and does not itself establish that a voter’s name has been deleted.
Form 8: Address Changes and Corrections
Form 8 is used for changing residence, correcting entries in the electoral roll, replacing an EPIC and recording certain elector details. Questions have also arisen over the treatment of voters who moved during the SIR process.
Other Forms Voters Should Know
Form 6A is for registration of eligible overseas Indian voters, while Form 6B is used to submit Aadhaar information for authentication. Aadhaar submission through Form 6B is voluntary. Forms 9, 10, 11, 11A and 11B provide lists of applications and objections that voters can check through the prescribed electoral-roll process.
The ECI has also ordered special drives in areas where SIR has been completed to enrol eligible voters who were left out of the rolls.
