India Updates Electoral Rolls in Punjab and Delhi

Election authorities in India are conducting Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercises to update voter rolls in Punjab and Delhi. In Punjab, Anindita Mitra, the Chief Electoral Officer, announced the conclusion of the first phase on August 3. The 40-day process involved house-to-house surveys across 23 districts and 117 Assembly constituencies, resulting in the removal of approximately 20.66 to 20.69 lakh voters categorized as absent, shifted, dead, or duplicate. This represents nearly 10% of the state's 2.14 crore electors.

Additionally, 12 lakh voters whose forms did not map to 2003 rolls will be notified to register with supporting documents. The process increased the number of polling booths from 24,453 to 25,332. Eligible voters in Punjab can file claims or objections from August 13 to September 12.

Separately, the Election Commission of India revised the SIR schedule for Delhi. Booth Level Officers will perform house-to-house verification visits until August 17, with October 1, 2026, serving as the qualifying date. The commission will publish the draft electoral roll on August 24, allowing citizens to file objections through September 23. The final roll is expected on October 27, with observers appointed to monitor the process across Delhi's 13 districts.