Election Commission Launches Special Revision of Voter List in Assam

The Election Commission of India announced a significant step on November 17, 2023, by ordering a Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam. This revision aims to update the voters’ list ahead of the forthcoming Assam Assembly elections, scheduled for 2026. The final voters’ list will be published on February 10, 2026, marking a crucial timeline for the electoral process in the state.

Understanding the Special Revision

This Special Revision differs from the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and the annual summary revision. According to officials, it represents an enhancement of the special summary revision process. Instead of using enumeration forms, booth-level officers will verify electors against a pre-filled register. This approach will streamline the verification process and ensure accurate voter enrollment.

Last month, the Election Commission initiated the SIR in various states, including Chhattisgarh, Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh, among others. Notably, states like Tamil Nadu and West Bengal will also hold elections in 2026.

Support from Assam’s Leadership

Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, expressed his support for the Election Commission’s decision. He assured full cooperation from the state government, stating on social media, “The Government of Assam welcomes the Election Commission of India’s decision to undertake a Special Revision of the electoral rolls with January 1, 2026 as the qualifying date.”

The chief minister emphasized the importance of this revision in ensuring that all eligible voters are accounted for in the electoral process.

Timeline and Verification Process

The Special Revision is set to follow a strict timeline. The qualifying date for voters will be January 1, 2026. The Election Commission has outlined the following schedule for this revision:

– **Door-to-door verification**: November 22 to December 20, 2023
– **Integrated draft electoral roll publication**: December 27, 2023
– **Final voters’ roll publication**: February 10, 2026

During this revision, officials are mandated to ensure that every eligible citizen is registered as a voter, in accordance with Article 326 of the Constitution of India and Sections 16 and 19 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.

Ensuring Voter Eligibility

To qualify for voter registration, individuals must meet specific criteria: they must be Indian citizens, at least 18 years old as of January 1, 2026, ordinary residents of the constituency, not disqualified under any law, and of sound mind. The Election Commission is committed to ensuring that no eligible citizen is overlooked while ineligible individuals are excluded from the electoral rolls.

The Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Assam has specific mandates to follow during this process. These include:

– Keeping all registered family members in the same section of the electoral roll
– Ensuring proper organization of sections and parts that reflect accurate house numbers
– Making certain that polling stations are accessible
– Achieving 100% removal of duplicate entries and deceased voters

Verification Techniques and Community Engagement

During the verification process, booth-level officers will gather essential information regarding multiple entries, deceased voters, and those who have permanently shifted their residence. They will also identify prospective voters who will reach the age of eligibility by January 1, 2026.

Polling stations will be assessed to ensure that no station has more than 1,200 voters, except with prior approval from the Election Commission. Additionally, individuals applying for voter registration may voluntarily provide their Aadhaar numbers, but the lack of an Aadhaar number will not hinder their application.

To foster cooperation, Election Commission officials plan to engage with political party representatives once the revision schedule is set. This collaboration is vital for maintaining transparency and trust in the electoral process.

Final Steps for Publication

The CEO has been instructed to obtain written clearance from the Election Commission before the final publication of the electoral rolls. The request for this publication must be submitted by February 14, 2026.

The Special Revision of the electoral rolls in Assam is a pivotal step towards ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. With the commitment from state officials and the Election Commission, the upcoming elections will reflect the true voice of the people in the state.