Patna: The Election Commission of India has announced a Special Summary Revision (SSR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and 16 other states, using January 1, 2027, as the qualifying date. The exercise will allow eligible citizens to enrol as voters, correct existing details, update addresses and raise objections to entries in the electoral roll.
According to the announced schedule, the draft voter list will be published on November 12, 2026, and the final electoral roll is scheduled for release on January 4, 2027. The process will begin with the rationalisation of polling stations, which is due to be completed by November 2, 2026.
Bihar Voter List 2027: Important Dates
- November 2, 2026: Deadline for polling-station rationalisation.
- November 12, 2026: Publication of the draft electoral roll.
- November 12 to December 11, 2026: Period for filing claims and objections.
- December 28, 2026: Deadline for disposing of claims and objections.
- January 4, 2027: Scheduled publication of the final electoral roll.
After the draft list is published, voters should check their names and personal details carefully. If a name is missing or any information is incorrect, they can submit the relevant application or objection within the prescribed period.
Who Can Apply to Register as a Voter?
The revision will focus on eligible citizens who are not yet registered, including young people reaching the age of 18.
Those who turn 18 on January 1, 2027, can apply for inclusion in the electoral roll using the prescribed procedure. Advance applications will also be available for eligible young people who turn 18 on April 1, July 1 or October 1, 2027.
Applicants must meet the applicable voter-registration requirements. Turning 18 alone does not automatically guarantee that a name will appear on the electoral roll; registration must be completed through the prescribed process.
Which Form Is Required to Add, Delete or Correct a Name?
Voters can use the following forms for different electoral-roll services:
- Form 6: For eligible applicants seeking inclusion in the electoral roll.
- Form 6A: For eligible overseas Indian electors seeking registration.
- Form 7: To request deletion of a name or raise an objection to an entry, subject to the applicable rules.
- Form 8: To request corrections in existing details, a change of address, replacement of a photo or updates to relevant information, including disability-related details.
Applicants should select the form that matches their requirement and provide the necessary information and supporting documents. Requests for deletion or objections will be processed under the applicable electoral rules.
How to Check or Update Your Name Online
The Election Commission provides digital services through its voter-services portal and ECINET app. Voters can use the available services to submit eligible applications and check relevant electoral information.
Newly registered voters may also be able to download their digital Elector Photo Identity Card (e-EPIC), subject to eligibility and availability.
Before submitting an application, voters should verify their personal details and ensure that the information provided matches the relevant documents. They should also retain the application reference number for tracking their request.
Polling Stations to Be Rationalised
As part of the exercise, polling stations will be reorganised to improve the management of electoral rolls and voter access. The stated benchmark is generally no more than 1,200 electors per polling station.
Additional polling stations may be considered in areas with higher voter populations, including high-rise residential complexes, densely populated neighbourhoods and slum areas.
The rationalisation process is scheduled for completion by November 2, 2026, before the draft electoral roll is published.
Election Officials and Political Parties to Participate
The revision will involve district election officers (DEOs), electoral registration officers (EROs), assistant electoral registration officers (AEROs) and booth-level officers (BLOs).
Under the announced arrangements, transfers of officials and staff involved in the revision will be restricted from the start of the process until publication of the final electoral roll, unless permitted by the Election Commission.
Recognised political parties have also been asked to appoint booth-level agents (BLAs) at polling stations. These agents can work with BLOs during the revision process. Copies of the draft and final electoral rolls will also be provided to political parties.
Why Is the 2027 Voter List Revision Important?
Updating electoral rolls is an important part of election preparation because it helps eligible citizens register and allows errors in existing records to be corrected.
Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur, are scheduled to hold Assembly elections in 2027. In Bihar, too, the revision will give voters an opportunity to verify their details and raise claims or objections before the final list is published.
The draft roll on November 12 will be an important checkpoint for voters. Anyone who finds a missing name or incorrect entry should follow the prescribed procedure within the claims-and-objections window rather than wait until the final list is released.
