In a crucial step toward ensuring clean and accurate electoral rolls ahead of upcoming state and general elections, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has officially launched the Second Phase of the Special Summary Revision (SSR) of Electoral Rolls today.
This massive exercise spans nine States and three Union Territories (UTs), with the primary objective of registering new eligible voters, correcting existing entries, and removing the names of deceased or permanently shifted voters. The move signals the ECβs active preparation for major polls scheduled in the next two years.
States and UTs Included in the Second Phase
Unlike the first phase, which was conducted earlier this year, the second phase focuses on regions where electoral boundaries or demographic profiles have seen recent changes, or where intensive preparation is needed for immediate elections.
The Second Phase of the SSR is now underway in the following regions:
| States (9) | Union Territories (3) |
| Uttar Pradesh | Delhi |
| Bihar | Puducherry |
| Maharashtra | Chandigarh |
| West Bengal | |
| Gujarat | |
| Punjab | |
| Rajasthan | |
| Andhra Pradesh | |
| Tamil Nadu |
The EC noted that the remaining States and UTs are either scheduled for revision later or have already completed their full SSR cycle.
The Revision Timeline and Public Action
The second phase of the revision process involves several key public interaction periods:
- Draft Publication: The draft electoral rolls will be published for public scrutiny, marking the start of the claims and objections window.
- Claims and Objections Period: Citizens can submit forms for inclusion (Form 6), correction (Form 8), or deletion (Form 7) either online through the National Voter Service Portal (NVSP) or by visiting their local Electoral Registration Officer (ERO).
- Final Publication: Following a thorough process of verification and hearings, the final revised electoral roll will be published.
Crucial Action for Citizens:
The EC has issued a strong appeal to all eligible citizens, particularly those turning 18 years of age by January 1, 2026, to actively check their names and details on the draft rolls once published. This is the best opportunity to ensure that your name is correctly listed and ready for the next election.
Why the Revision is Critical for Democracy
The Special Summary Revision is not just an administrative formality; it is vital for upholding the integrity of Indiaβs electoral process:
- Inclusion of Youth: It ensures that millions of new young voters (18+) are added, giving them the right to participate in the democratic process.
- Preventing Fraud: The removal of duplicate or deceased entries minimizes the scope for electoral fraud and manipulation.
- Accurate Planning: Accurate rolls allow the EC to plan the correct number of polling stations, necessary security, and logistical support across constituencies.
The successful completion of this second phase is a necessary step towards maintaining the highest standards of accuracy and fairness in India’s massive democratic exercises.