Election Commission of India Eases Voter Registration Rules

The Election Commission of India modified its special intensive revision of voter lists to reduce inconvenience for citizens and address internal dissent regarding registration policies. Under the new guidelines, Booth Level Officers must personally visit the homes of individuals with unmapped or logical discrepancies in their records to collect necessary documentation. This change removes the general requirement for these voters to attend hearings at Electoral Registration Officer offices, though exceptions may still apply.

To further increase accessibility, the commission now allows family members to attend hearings on behalf of electors. District Election Officers have been directed to establish special camps and help desks specifically for laborers and homeless individuals. Additionally, those omitted from previous revisions can now seek inclusion through a continuous modification process.

Following complaints about the ECINET portal, the commission established a review panel to ensure the registration software meets legal compliance and technical functionality standards. This committee is led by a senior deputy election commissioner and includes an independent expert from an IIT or IIIT.