Patna: In an effort to address widespread confusion over Bihar’s special intensive voter list revision, the Election Commission has released detailed answers to 16 frequently asked questions, outlining who needs to submit documents and how they can ensure their names remain on the electoral roll.
The special revision, underway for the first time since 2003, began on June 25. According to the Commission, out of Bihar’s 7.89 crore voters, 4.96 crore whose names were registered in the 2003 voter list need only fill out an enumeration form. However, the remaining 2.93 crore voters, whose names were added after 2004 or who have recently turned 18, must submit proof of birth and residence along with the form by July 27.
The Commission clarified that the enumeration form can be obtained from booth level officers (BLOs) who will visit voters’ homes, or it can be downloaded from the Election Commission’s website and app. BLOs are required to visit each household at least three times to collect forms, and voters can also submit forms online.
The list of valid documents includes birth certificates, passports, matriculation certificates, permanent residence certificates, forest rights certificates, caste certificates, and identity cards issued by government authorities before July 1, 1987. The Commission has reiterated that Aadhaar, PAN, ration cards, MNREGA job cards, and driving licences are not acceptable for this process and submissions attaching these will be rejected.
Among the 16 clarifications, the Commission addressed concerns about voters who are currently outside Bihar. Such voters can fill and upload forms online, after which BLOs will verify their details at their registered addresses. Voters born before July 1, 1987, between July 1, 1987 and December 2, 2004, and after December 2, 2004, have to submit different combinations of documents to establish their citizenship and eligibility.
The Commission also confirmed that having a voter ID card does not exempt anyone from filling the enumeration form. Failure to submit the form by July 27 will result in exclusion from the draft voter list, to be published on August 1. Those excluded will then have to fill Form 6 to reapply for inclusion.
Officials urged all voters to read the Commission’s FAQ carefully to ensure they complete the process correctly and remain eligible to vote in upcoming elections.
