Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): With the next Punjab Assembly elections less than a year away, election authorities have launched an extensive voter roll verification exercise across the state, deploying thousands of field officials to ensure that electoral records accurately reflect the current voter population.
The campaign, which started on Wednesday, is designed to identify outdated entries, remove duplication and verify the eligibility of voters through direct interaction at the household level. Officials say the exercise is intended to strengthen the integrity of the electoral process before the 2027 polls.
Teams of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been assigned to visit residences across Punjab to cross-check voter information and collect updates wherever necessary. During these visits, officers will review details such as residence status, changes of address and other relevant information that may affect voter registration records.
Election officials stressed that the verification process is not restricted to newly enrolled voters. Existing voters will also be covered under the exercise to ensure that electoral rolls remain current and free from inaccuracies.
Authorities said a substantial number of voter records had already been digitally linked through a mapping initiative conducted earlier. However, a section of voters could not be physically matched with their listed addresses, prompting the need for additional field verification.
To avoid wrongful deletions, the Election Commission has established multiple safeguards. Residents who are unavailable during an initial visit will receive further opportunities to confirm their details. Notices and follow-up visits will be used wherever required before any changes are made to electoral records.
Officials also clarified that no fee is involved at any stage of the verification process. Citizens have been urged to report any attempt to collect money in exchange for voter-related services.
The campaign accommodates a wide range of voters, including tenants, students living away from home and eligible citizens residing temporarily in other locations. Alternative identity documents may be accepted where necessary, and Aadhaar remains optional rather than compulsory.
Election authorities further noted that Indian citizens living abroad can continue to remain registered as voters, provided they have not acquired foreign citizenship. Likewise, young citizens attaining voting age within the prescribed period will be eligible to apply for inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Once the field verification phase concludes, a period for public claims and objections will follow. During this stage, voters will be able to request corrections, additions or deletions before the rolls are finalised.
Officials said the updated voter list will play a crucial role in ensuring a transparent and credible electoral process, serving as the foundation for all future elections in the state. The final revised electoral roll is expected to be published later this year after all objections and corrections have been addressed.
