Voter Roll Drive in Visakhapatnam: Special Camps on Aug 22-23 for Enrolment, Corrections

In a move to strengthen the electoral process, the Visakhapatnam district administration will conduct special campaign days at all polling stations across the seven Assembly constituencies on August 22 and 23. The initiative aims to facilitate enrolment, corrections, and verification of details in the electoral roll under the Special Integrated Revision (SIR) 2026.

Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be present at every polling station with the draft electoral roll and necessary application forms. Eligible citizens who have turned 18, as well as those whose names are missing from the draft list, can submit Form 6 along with the prescribed declaration to get enrolled. This is a critical opportunity for first-time voters to ensure their inclusion before the final publication of the roll.

For existing voters, Form 8 will be available for correcting errors in names, addresses, or other details, and for shifting electoral registration in case of a change of residence. The campaign also includes verification of entries flagged under ASDD (Absent, Shifted, Duplicate, and Dead) categories, unmapped records, and logical discrepancy lists. BLOs will guide citizens through the required procedures, ensuring that no eligible voter is left out due to technical errors.

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) are expected to visit polling stations during the two-day drive to monitor the process and assist BLOs. This oversight is intended to maintain accuracy and transparency in the electoral roll, a cornerstone of democratic representation.

The district administration has urged all citizens, particularly young voters and those who have recently changed residences, to verify their details on the draft roll and submit applications wherever necessary. The SIR-2026 exercise is part of the Election Commission of India's ongoing efforts to ensure a clean, error-free, and inclusive voter database.

Voters can also check their names in the electoral roll online or at their local polling stations. The special camps are designed to bring these services closer to the people, reducing the need for multiple visits to government offices. Officials have emphasized that the campaign is a voluntary, facilitative measure and that all applications received will be processed as per the Commission's guidelines.

With the next general elections in mind, such drives are crucial for maximizing voter participation. A comprehensive electoral roll ensures that every citizen who is eligible to vote can exercise their franchise without hurdles. The Visakhapatnam district administration has called upon all stakeholders, including political parties and civil society, to spread awareness about the campaign and assist citizens in completing their enrolments.