Special Voter Revision Drive Underway in Bihar Amid Broad Political Participation

Patna: A Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll has commenced across Bihar, with full involvement from national and state-level political parties, the Election Commission of India (ECI confirmed on Saturday. The drive aims to verify and update voter eligibility in accordance with Article 326 of the Indian Constitution, which mandates that only citizens aged 18 and above, ordinarily residing in a constituency, may be registered as voters.

The revision initiative marks a significant administrative effort. Over 77,000 existing Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are already deployed across the state, with an additional 20,603 BLOs being appointed to manage the growing number of polling stations. In a move to bolster outreach, more than one lakh volunteers will support marginalised and vulnerable voters—particularly the elderly, disabled, and economically disadvantaged—in completing the verification process.

As part of the revision, door-to-door distribution of new Enumeration Forms (EFs) has begun across all 243 assembly constituencies, covering the state’s 7.89 crore registered voters. Citizens can also opt to complete these forms online—a facility that, according to the ECI, has seen a strong initial response.

Of the current voter base, approximately 4.96 crore individuals already appear on the final revised electoral roll dated 1 January 2003. These voters need only confirm their details by submitting the new EF.

To support the process, political parties have so far appointed 1.54 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs), with provisions to designate additional agents as needed. Meanwhile, divisional commissioners and district officers have been directed to ensure BLOs are fully engaged in the revision effort.

SMS updates are also being sent to over 5.74 crore registered mobile numbers to raise awareness and encourage voter participation.