New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has given another chance to people whose names were missing from the draft voter list during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
The decision covers seven states: Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Telangana and Nagaland.
People whose names were marked as Absent, Shifted, Dead or Duplicate (ASDD) can now apply again to get their names included in the final voter list.
No Need for Form 6 in Most Cases
The Election Commission has clarified that most existing voters will not need to fill Form 6 again. They can submit their Enumeration Forms with a simple declaration explaining why they missed the earlier verification.
People whose applications are accepted will get their old Voter ID number (EPIC number) back.
BLOs Will Help Voters
Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit homes to contact people whose names are missing from the draft list. They can also contact them through WhatsApp, SMS and email.
Voters can download their forms online using their old EPIC numbers. They can submit the forms themselves, through a family member or online with an e-signature.
People who have not changed their address must explain why they missed the earlier process. Those who have shifted to another place within the same state must submit their form and new address proof to the election officer of their new area.
Supreme Court Had Raised Questions
The decision comes after the Supreme Court questioned why existing voters were being asked to fill Form 6 as new applicants.
The court suggested giving such voters an easier way to restore their names. The Bombay High Court’s Goa Bench also said that voters who had only changed their addresses should not be forced to use Form 6.
When Will Names Be Added?
Election officials will check the forms, voter details and address proof. After successful verification, eligible voters will be included in the final electoral roll.
People who have already submitted Form 6 do not need to apply again.
The latest decision gives relief to voters who were left out of the draft list and want their names restored.
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