Will the SIR Exercise Lead to a New Voter List in TN by February 2026?
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Synopsis
The Election Commission of India announces a new voter registration process in Tamil Nadu, aiming to establish a fresh electoral list by February 2026. This initiative, known as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), distinguishes itself from the Special Summary Revision (SSR) by mandating a complete enumeration of all voters.
Key Takeaways
- The SIR will create a new voter list in Tamil Nadu.
- Enumeration forms must be filled by all voters.
- Door-to-door verification will be conducted by BLOs.
- First-time voters must provide additional documentation.
- The final electoral rolls are set for publication on February 7, 2026.
Chennai, Nov 3 (NationPress) The Election Commission of India (ECI) informed the Madras High Court on Monday that the forthcoming Special Intensive Revision (SIR) in Tamil Nadu will create a completely new roster of eligible voters statewide, in contrast to the annual Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls.
While addressing the First Division Bench, which included Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan, ECI counsel Niranjan Rajagopalan elaborated on the differences between the two processes.
He indicated that the SSR maintains the existing electoral list, necessitating only applications for inclusion, deletion, or corrections from individuals. Conversely, the SIR involves a full enumeration of every voter, including those already on the rolls.
Rajagopalan stated that all voters must complete a new enumeration form, available for download from the ECI website or through Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
BLOs will collect one version of the completed form and provide an acknowledgment on the duplicate retained by the voter while also conducting door-to-door checks to reach individuals who do not submit the form.
He added that voters need not submit supporting documents unless there are discrepancies between their enumeration form and the current rolls.
However, first-time voters and those who have relocated from other states must submit a declaration form along with proof of age and identity. BLOs will have ample supplies of both enumeration and declaration forms for public distribution.
The ECI representative informed the court that the SIR was announced on October 27 for Tamil Nadu and select other states. Training for officials commenced the next day and concluded by November 3.
The enumeration phase will run from November 4 to December 4, followed by the draft electoral roll's publication on December 9. The claims and objections period will last until January 8, 2026, with all related inquiries wrapped up by January 31, 2026. The finalized electoral rolls will be published on February 7, 2026.
Rajagopalan emphasized that the ECI possesses Constitutional authority to conduct both SSR and SIR exercises under the Representation of the People Act, 1950, noting that the SIR has been executed at least ten times previously, most recently in Tamil Nadu in 2002 and 2005. The goal, he explained, is to ensure that no eligible voter is omitted and that no ineligible entries remain on the rolls.
Following this submission, the Division Bench directed the High Court Registry to group all related petitions concerning Tambaram, T. Nagar, and Karur constituencies for a hearing on November 13.
Point of View
I recognize the importance of the Election Commission's initiative to establish a new voter list through the SIR process in Tamil Nadu. This effort reflects a commitment to ensuring electoral integrity and inclusivity. It is essential for democracy that every eligible voter is accounted for, and this initiative addresses that need.
NationPress
22/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The SIR is a process initiated by the Election Commission to create a new list of eligible voters in Tamil Nadu, which differs from the annual Special Summary Revision (SSR) that modifies existing rolls.
When will the SIR take place?
The enumeration for the SIR will occur from November 4 to December 4, 2023, with the final electoral rolls to be published on February 7, 2026.
Who needs to fill out the new enumeration form?
All voters, including those already registered, must fill out a new enumeration form as part of the SIR process.
What documents are required for first-time voters?
First-time voters and those migrating from other states must submit a declaration form along with proof of age and identity.
How will the Election Commission ensure accuracy?
BLOs will conduct door-to-door verification and collect forms to ensure all eligible voters are included and that no ineligible entries remain.
