Bihar electoral roll revision: EC receives forms from 90% electors, flags 36 lakh as ‘not at addresses’

The Election Commission (EC) launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral roll on June 25, with a deadline of July 25 for voters to submit enumeration forms – part of a nation-wide update coinciding with the state’s upcoming polls.

As of July 19, the EC has received forms for 90.12% of the state's approximately 7.9 crore registered voters.

However, around 36.86 lakh electors (4.67%) were reported as “not found at their addresses” by Booth Level Officers (BLOs). Of these, 12.5 lakh are presumed deceased, 17.4 lakh “probably shifted permanently,” and 5.8 lakh potentially enrolled at multiple locations. Additionally, 6,978 people remain completely untraceable.

To verify these cases, the EC has shared the details with district presidents of political parties and 1.5 lakh booth-level agents. Electors can update or clarify their status from August 1 to September 1, before the final electoral roll is published on September 30.

The draft revision will also be available publicly on August 1, with claims and corrections accepted until September 1, and final adjustments due by September 25.

Opposition figures, including RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav and INDIA bloc leaders, have criticized the SIR process, alleging the EC may use it to disproportionately purge migrant workers and marginalized groups.

Concerns include the absence of proper documentation (like Aadhaar, ration cards, or voter IDs) and the timing amid monsoon season. They argue that many seasonal migrants may be wrongly listed as untraceable.

The EC maintains that this is a routine exercise to ensure accurate voter rolls. Officials emphasize that voters can verify their inclusion online, through BLOs, or via special camps established in all urban wards and rural booths.

They also remind citizens that name removals are not automatic; verification is required before final deletion.