A survey conducted during a voter awareness campaign in Bengaluru has revealed significant gaps in public understanding of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, raising concerns about the potential exclusion of eligible voters if the process is implemented without adequate support and awareness measures.
The findings emerged from the three-day ‘SIR Janajagruti Jaatha’ organised under the ‘My Vote, My Right’ campaign, which concluded on Friday. The awareness drive covered areas with large migrant populations, street vendors and small businesses, including Jayanagar, Malleshwaram, Tilaknagar, Virat Nagar and Madiwala Market.
Majority unaware of revision process
As part of the campaign, organisers conducted a voter survey involving 138 respondents. The results showed that 61.3 per cent had never heard of the Special Intensive Revision process.
The survey also found that many voters were unaware of the documentation requirements. While 91.2 per cent of respondents possessed Aadhaar cards, organisers noted that a significant number did not know Aadhaar alone is insufficient for verification under the SIR process.
Further, around 34 per cent of respondents reportedly possessed only Aadhaar and lacked any of the 11 prescribed supporting documents required for verification.
Confusion over voter verification
The survey highlighted widespread confusion about electoral procedures. Several respondents said they were unsure whether they had been mapped by Booth Level Officers, while others did not know how to check their names in the 2002 electoral roll.
Among those aware of the SIR exercise, more than 60 per cent said they were uncertain about their verification status. Around 65 per cent of respondents did not know how to locate their names in earlier electoral records.
Organisers also claimed that some citizens raised concerns regarding voter mapping and documentation processes during field interactions.
Call for greater public outreach
Based on the findings, campaign organisers have urged electoral authorities to increase public awareness and provide additional support to help citizens obtain the necessary documents.
They have also called for consultations involving government agencies, civil society groups and election officials to ensure that no eligible voter is excluded during the revision process.
The organisers said stronger awareness campaigns and administrative assistance would be essential to ensure wider participation and smooth implementation of any electoral roll revision exercise.