ECI eases SIR notice process after Maharashtra CEO’s request

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has simplified the process for voters receiving notices during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, following a request from the Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer (CEO). Previously, BLOs were required to visit voters' homes, collect documents, and upload them to ECINET for ERO approval, necessitating appearances in person.

Two days after the request, the ECI decided to ease the procedure, eliminating the need for personal hearings in many cases. Instead, BLOs will collect documents from voters' homes and upload them to ECINET. The Commission will only call voters for hearings in exceptional circumstances, preferably through online means. An adult family member can represent the voter in such cases.

While the Maharashtra CEO also proposed an option for submitting alternative documents, the ECI has not explicitly adopted this suggestion. However, the Commission has directed District Election Officers to provide help desks and special camps for vulnerable populations, extended Maharashtra's deadline for filing claims and objections, and launched a special enrolment drive for first-time and young voters.