Hyderabad: 26 June, Posted at 4:27 PM IST
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 to update and clean the electoral rolls across the country, including Telangana.
In Hyderabad, many voters have questions about why they need to submit an Enumeration Form, whether Aadhaar is mandatory, what happens if they are away from home, and whether their name could be deleted from the voter list. Here is a simple guide to help you understand the entire process.
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision is a large-scale verification exercise carried out by the Election Commission to ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate and updated.
According to the Election Commission, the exercise aims to:
- Remove duplicate voter registrations
- Delete names of deceased voters
- Update incorrect voter information
- Ensure every eligible citizen is included
- Prevent ineligible persons from remaining on the electoral rolls
In simple words, the Commission wants every genuine voter to have voting rights while removing incorrect or duplicate entries.
Why is SIR Being Conducted?
Over the years, millions of people have changed their residence due to education, employment, marriage, or migration.
As a result:
- Some people may be registered in more than one constituency.
- Some deceased voters still appear in electoral rolls.
- Some eligible citizens have never enrolled.
The SIR is intended to correct these issues before future elections.
Important Timeline for SIR 2026
The Election Commission has announced the following schedule:
| Activity | Date |
| House-to-House Enumeration | 25 June – 24 July 2026 |
| Draft Electoral Roll Published | 31 July 2026 |
| Claims and Objections | 31 July – 30 August 2026 |
| Verification and Hearings | 31 July – 28 September 2026 |
| Final Electoral Roll | 1 October 2026 |
The Enumeration Form is a verification form distributed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs).
It confirms whether:
- your name is correct,
- your address is correct,
- your family details are accurate,
- you continue to be eligible to vote.
Submitting this form helps the Election Commission verify your voter record.
How Will You Receive the Enumeration Form?
The Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your home.
The BLO will:
- provide a pre-printed Enumeration Form,
- explain how to fill it,
- return later to collect the completed form,
- issue an acknowledgement after receiving it.
The BLO is required to visit each household at least three times.
Can You Submit the Form Online?
Yes.
The Election Commission has introduced an online submission facility.
Eligible voters can:
- log in using their mobile number or EPIC number,
- verify through OTP,
- complete the Enumeration Form online,
- authenticate through e-sign.
This facility is available for voters whose electoral roll details match their Aadhaar records.
Is Aadhaar Mandatory?
No.
The Election Commission clearly states that providing an Aadhaar number is optional.
Voters may provide it only if they wish to do so.
What If You Don’t Receive the Form?
If the BLO does not reach you:
- download or access the Enumeration Form online,
- contact your Booth Level Officer,
- use the “Book a Call with BLO” facility,
- or call the Voter Helpline 1950.
The form may also be handed over to an adult member of your family if you are unavailable.
What Happens If You Are Away From Home?
Many Telangana residents work outside the state or abroad.
In such cases:
- an adult family member may complete and sign the form on your behalf, or
- you can submit the Enumeration Form online.
This ensures that your voter record can still be verified even if you are not physically present.
Can Someone Else Fill the Form?
Yes.
If you are unavailable:
- your spouse,
- parents,
- adult son or daughter,
- or any adult family member
may complete and sign the form for you.
What If Your Photo Is Old?
Simply attach a recent passport-sized photograph in the space provided on the form.
No new Enumeration Form is required.
Can You Correct Mistakes on the Form?
Yes.
If you notice any mistake:
- strike out the incorrect information,
- write the correct details clearly,
- submit the corrected form.
There is no need to obtain a fresh form.
What If You Recently Shifted to a New Address?
Address changes cannot be made during the initial enumeration stage.
After the draft electoral roll is published on 31 July 2026, voters can submit Form 8 to update their address during the claims and objections period.
What About New Voters?
Citizens who have:
- already turned 18 years of age, or
- will turn 18 by 1 October 2026
can apply using Form 6.
The Booth Level Officer will provide Form 6 along with the required declaration form.
What If Your Name Does Not Appear in SIR-2002 Records?
If your name is missing from the SIR-2002 electoral roll:
- don’t panic,
- provide details of your parents or grandparents,
- seek assistance from the Booth Level Officer.
The BLO can help locate family records and complete the verification.
What Happens If You Do Not Submit the Enumeration Form?
According to the Election Commission, if an Enumeration Form is not returned, the Booth Level Officer will conduct a local inquiry.
Possible reasons recorded may include:
- absent,
- shifted,
- deceased,
- duplicate registration.
Based on the inquiry, the person’s name may not be included in the draft electoral roll, making it important for eligible voters to complete and return the form.
Will You Need to Submit Documents?
Generally, no documents are required during the enumeration stage.
However, if the Electoral Registration Officer later doubts an applicant’s eligibility, supporting documents may be requested.
These may include:
- Birth Certificate
- Passport
- Educational Certificate
- Government Identity Card
- Pension documents
- Permanent Residence Certificate
- Land or House Allotment documents
- Caste Certificate
- Family Register
- Other documents specified by the Election Commission
These documents are required only if verification becomes necessary after the publication of the draft electoral roll.
Where Can Voters Get Help?
If you have questions or face difficulties, assistance is available through:
- Your local Booth Level Officer (BLO)
- Voter Helpline 1950
- The Election Commission’s online voter services
- The “Book a Call with BLO” facility
The BLO is expected to visit each household three times to help voters complete the process.
Final Takeaway
The Special Intensive Revision is a statewide voter verification exercise intended to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls before future elections. While it may require some additional effort from voters, submitting the Enumeration Form on time can help ensure that eligible citizens remain on the voter list and that electoral records are up to date.
For most voters, the process is straightforward: verify your details, complete the form—either offline or online—and submit it before the deadline. Responding promptly can help avoid complications during the publication of the draft and final electoral rolls.
Note: All the information sought from District Election Officer and Telangana Chief Electoral Officer.
Mohd Abdul Akram is an independent journalist and RTI activist based in Hyderabad. Founder of Deccan Today News, he has over 12 years of experience in the media field, focusing on public interest issues, transparency, and accountability.
