Chandigarh (Naval Kishore): The Election Department has kicked off a comprehensive voter verification campaign across Chandigarh, marking the first large-scale Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls in nearly 24 years. The exercise aims to ensure that the voter database remains accurate and updated ahead of future elections.
As part of the campaign, Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have started visiting households across the city to verify voter details and assist eligible citizens in correcting or updating their information. Authorities have instructed field officials to carry out the exercise with complete transparency and minimal inconvenience to the public.
One of the key relaxations announced during the drive is for senior citizens whose names were included in the electoral roll before 1987. Such voters will not be required to submit documents related to their parents or grandparents and can complete verification using available family-related records.
The process has also been simplified for first-time voters and individuals seeking inclusion in the electoral list. Government-issued identity documents and proof of residence will be sufficient for most cases, reducing paperwork and making registration more accessible.
During door-to-door visits, officials will verify details such as name, age, address, family information and voter identity particulars. Citizens are advised to keep documents such as Aadhaar, voter identity card, passport, birth certificate, Class 10 certificate or address proof readily available if requested.
According to the Election Department’s schedule, field verification and collection of forms will continue until July 14. The draft electoral roll is expected to be published on July 21, after which the public will have one month to file claims or objections regarding any discrepancies.
Authorities plan to complete the disposal of all objections by September 18, with the final updated voter list scheduled for publication on September 22, 2026.
Officials have appealed to residents to cooperate with BLOs during the verification process, stating that public participation is essential to ensure a clean, inclusive and error-free electoral roll for Chandigarh.
