Assam Launches Special Electoral Revision: Existing Voters Protected While Ensuring Inclusive Registration

The Election Commission initiated 'Special Revision' for Assam with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. (File)

Guwahati:

Following the Election Commission's implementation of 'Special Revision' (SR) of electoral rolls in Assam beginning Tuesday, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Anurag Goel reassured that existing voters would encounter no difficulties during this process.

He highlighted that new residents can also register to vote, including individuals displaced from government land, by providing their previous voter information, as the state prepares for assembly elections in early 2025.

During a press conference in Guwahati, Goel explained, "The SR aims to ensure all eligible voters are included and ineligible ones removed from electoral rolls." The Election Commission ordered this Special Revision for Assam on Monday, with January 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. The final electoral list will be published on February 10.

Goel noted that this marks the first implementation of SR for electoral rolls in any state, necessitated by Assam's special citizenship provisions.

"Assam has special citizenship provisions. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) has been updated and awaits publication, with NRC data serving as conclusive citizenship proof. Given these circumstances, the EC has mandated SR for Assam instead of Special Intensive Revision (SIR)," the CEO elaborated.

He explained that while special summary revision is "routine" and SIR is comprehensive, SR falls between these approaches to ensure error-free electoral rolls.

Under the SR process, booth-level officers (BLOs) will conduct home visits where the family head or a competent member will verify eligible voters in the household.

For deceased voters, names will be removed, and for new additions, BLOs will provide forms that must be completed and submitted within specified timeframes.

"Existing voters don't need to present documentary evidence during SR. Verification by the family head or competent member is sufficient. New voters only need to show documentation linking them to an existing voter," Goel clarified.

When questioned about voting rights for those displaced during recent anti-encroachment initiatives, the CEO confirmed they can register at their new residences.

"Individuals can register wherever they currently reside by presenting their previous Electors Photo Identity Card (EPIC). Even recent arrivals to Assam planning extended stays can register through the same procedure," he stated.

Goel added that voters are responsible for removing their names from previous electoral lists.

The EC employs software to identify duplicate voters by checking names and photographs within a state, though some margin for error remains, he acknowledged.

He also emphasized the appeal process for contesting wrongful exclusion or inclusion of names from voter lists and encouraged public utilization of this provision.

Goel further reported that 29,656 BLOs have been appointed—one for each existing polling station—while 61,553 booth-level agents (BLAs) from political parties will assist them in conducting the exercise efficiently.

With planned rationalization of polling locations, approximately 1,826 additional polling stations will likely be established across the state, he mentioned.

The CEO also specified that 'D-voters' (doubtful voters), currently numbering 94,277 in the state, will not be included in the SR process.