Karnataka Draft Electoral Rolls Published: Over 1 Crore Names Removed as Voter Base Shrinks to 4.46 Crore
Karnataka’s total electorate has decreased to 4.46 crore electors following the removal of more than 1.07 crore names during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process. Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) V. Anbu Kumar published the draft electoral rolls on Monday at the conclusion of the enumeration phase, revealing that a large majority of the removed names were classified under the ‘absent, shifted, duplicate, dead, and others’ (ASDDO) category.
What Happened
Following the completion of the enumeration exercise, the draft rolls reflect an electorate comprising over 2.22 crore male voters, 2.24 crore female voters, and 2,871 voters in the third-gender category. Electors have been directed to check their registration details through the Election Commission’s portal at https://voters.eci.gov.in/download-eroll?stateCode=S10. However, on the day of publication, users reported technical issues when trying to view and download rolls, specifically encountering file errors with English-language files.
Alongside the roll publication, election authorities announced that approximately 43.81 lakh notices will be issued to electors whose enumeration submissions had logical discrepancies or could not be mapped. Notices may also arise from complaints or if an Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) suspects ineligibility. EROs hold full authority to rule on these cases. If dissatisfied with an ERO’s decision, electors may appeal to the District Election Officer or Deputy Commissioner within 15 days, and subsequently to the Chief Electoral Officer within 30 days of that initial appeal.
Key Highlights
- Electorate Figures: The voter base stands at 4.46 crore electors (2.22 crore men, 2.24 crore women, and 2,871 others) after 1.07 crore deletions.
- Notice Issuance: Nearly 43.81 lakh voters will receive notices due to unmapped entries or logical errors in their enumeration forms.
- Seven-Day Turnaround: EROs must complete the process from notice generation to service within seven days.
- In-Person Appearance Required: While notices will feature a QR code to submit one of 11 approved documents online, the elector must appear in person for the hearing.
- Polling Station Reorganisation: Stations have been rationalised with a cap of 1,200 electors each, resulting in 1,873 new polling stations across Karnataka within a two-kilometre radius.
- Special Assistance: A dedicated campaign will assist voters in high ASDDO areas to complete Form 6 for inclusion, with dates to be announced later.
Why This Matters
The transition from the enumeration stage to the notice-resolution stage shifts the procedural responsibility to individual electors. While Booth Level Officers previously delivered enumeration forms directly and permitted adult family members to assist, notices can now be handed to anyone present at the address. Because voters cannot track whether a notice is pending online until it is generated, individuals living away from their registered constituencies face logistical constraints to attend hearings in person within short timeframes.
The mandatory physical appearance requirement also presents challenges for specific demographics. For example, within the limits of the Greater Bengaluru Authority alone, the voter rolls include over 40,307 citizens aged above 85, 829 citizens above 100 years, and more than 21,400 electors with disabilities.
What to Watch Next
The CEO’s office is scheduled to announce the timeline for its special assistance campaign targeting regions with high ASDDO deletions, where voters will receive guidance on submitting Form 6 for inclusion. Electors whose polling booths have changed due to rationalisation can look up their updated polling station by searching their EPIC details or checking neighbouring stations within a two-kilometre radius.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can Karnataka citizens check their inclusion in the draft electoral roll?
Citizens can review the draft rolls online via the official portal at https://voters.eci.gov.in/download-eroll?stateCode=S10 by using their EPIC credentials or checking local booth lists.
What should a voter do upon receiving an official notice?
Voters who receive a notice regarding discrepancies or unmapped status can upload one of the 11 accepted documents using the provided QR code, but they must personally attend the scheduled hearing before the Electoral Registration Officer.
What is the procedure to appeal an Electoral Registration Officer’s ruling?
An aggrieved elector can submit an appeal to the District Election Officer or Deputy Commissioner within 15 days of the ERO’s decision. If unresolved, a final appeal can be made to the Chief Electoral Officer within 30 days of the first appeal.
Source: Based on reporting by The Hindu.