Bengaluru: More than 43.81 lakh voters across Karnataka have received notices from the Election Commission as the state undergoes a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of its electoral rolls. The notices relate to cases where parental or family lineage links are missing, address discrepancies have been detected or other technical irregularities have been identified in voter records.
The development has raised concerns among voters who fear that their names could be removed from the electoral roll. However, the notice process also provides affected voters an opportunity to establish their eligibility and ensure that genuine names remain on the voter list.
The official hearing process began on September 5, while the objection and hearing process will continue until September 23, 2026.
Why have voters received SIR notices?
The notices have been issued where election authorities have identified gaps or discrepancies in voter records.
According to the report, these include cases involving missing parental or family lineage linkage, differences in address details and other technical irregularities in electoral records.
Receiving a notice does not by itself mean that a voter’s name has been deleted. Instead, the voter is being given an opportunity to appear before the designated authority and provide documents supporting their eligibility.
The process is intended to help election officials verify voter details and update the electoral roll.
Voters must attend the hearing personally
Voters who have received notices are required to appear personally before the designated authorities.
According to the information provided by the Election Commission, a family member cannot attend the hearing on behalf of the person named in the notice. A lawyer is also not permitted to represent the notice recipient during the hearing.
Hearing venues may include schools, community halls or offices of Electoral Registration Officers (EROs).
Voters should carry the relevant original documents for verification, along with photocopies.
Maximum three documents can be submitted
The latest Election Commission guidelines state that ERO officials cannot ask a voter to produce more than three documents, including Aadhaar, during the verification process.
Voters can keep documents relating to their identity, residence, age and family linkage ready before attending the hearing.
Among the documents that may be used are:
- Aadhaar card
- Voter ID card
- Ration card
- Current bank passbook
- Passport
- Recent electricity or water bill
- Birth certificate
- SSLC Class 10 marks card
- Transfer Certificate
- Parents’ Voter ID details, where applicable
- Permanent Resident Certificate issued by the Revenue Department, where applicable
The appropriate documents may depend on the information that needs to be verified in an individual’s electoral record.
What should voters carry to the hearing?
Voters who receive notices are advised to keep both original documents and photocopies ready.
Original documents will be required for verification before election officials, while photocopies can be submitted as supporting records.
Those who are uncertain about which documents are applicable to their case can contact their Booth Level Officer (BLO) for clarification.
The BLO can also help voters understand the verification process and provide information regarding the designated hearing location.
What if a voter has not received a notice?
Voters who have not received a physical notice at their residence but are concerned about their electoral status can check the list of notices issued online.
According to the Daijiworld report, the Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s official website has a list of notices issued during the SIR process. Voters can check whether their names appear on the list instead of waiting for a physical notice to arrive.
This is particularly important for voters who may have changed addresses or whose residential details in electoral records may not be up to date.
September 23 is the key deadline
The objection submission and hearing process will continue until September 23, 2026.
Voters who have received notices should therefore avoid waiting until the last date. They should check the details mentioned in their notice, identify the documents relevant to their case and attend the designated hearing centre within the stipulated period.
Those facing difficulties can approach their respective BLO or election officials for guidance.
SIR aims to update Karnataka’s electoral rolls
The Special Intensive Revision is a significant exercise involving the verification and updating of electoral records across Karnataka.
With more than 43.81 lakh voters receiving notices, the process affects a substantial number of people across the state. The hearings provide voters with an opportunity to establish their eligibility and address discrepancies before the electoral roll is finalised.
For voters who have received notices, timely action is important. Attending the hearing personally, carrying the necessary documents and checking the information in the notice can help ensure that genuine voter records are properly verified.
The September 23 deadline therefore remains crucial for those covered by the current SIR process.