ECI Extends Voter Claim Deadlines and Simplifies Hearing Process for Ongoing Electoral Roll Updates

NEW DELHI — The Election Commission of India (ECI) released a official press note detailing several decisions taken during its full commission meeting.

Key directives and updates from the announcement include: 

Election Commission of India (ECI)

• Extended Filing Deadlines: Following requests from state election officials, the ECI extended the deadline for filing claims and objections to October 30, 2026, for Delhi (with disposal by November 30, 2026) and to October 12, 2026, for Maharashtra (with disposal by November 10, 2026).

• Simplified Verification Process: During the ongoing Special Summary Revision (SIR), Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will visit the residences of unmapped or discrepant voters to collect documents directly. Voters are no longer required to attend in-person hearings at election offices unless deemed necessary by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), in which case hearings will primarily take place online.

• Outreach for Vulnerable Groups: District Election Officers (DEOs) have been instructed to set up dedicated help desks and special enrollment camps targeting homeless individuals, night shelter residents, and laborers.

• Legal and Electoral Status: The Supreme Court of India upheld the Form 6 declaration used for the SIR process, which has already concluded across 20 States and Union Territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. Special drives have been initiated to ensure left-out and first-time voters can register through continuous updating.

• System Oversight: The ECINET portal is undergoing continuous technical reviews by a committee chaired by the Senior Deputy Election Commissioner alongside independent experts from IIT/IIIT to ensure full statutory compliance and officer accessibility.

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