What Is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a large-scale voter re-enumeration exercise being conducted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) across several states, including Tamil Nadu. Unlike the annual Special Summary Revision (SSR), the SIR aims to rebuild the entire electoral roll from scratch to ensure accuracy, eliminate duplicates, and include all eligible voters.
The ECI has clarified before the Madras High Court that this is not a routine voter list update but a comprehensive verification and enumeration process.
ECI’s Statement to the Madras High Court
In an affidavit filed before the Madras High Court, the Election Commission of India stated that:
- SIR is distinct from the annual voter list update.
- Existing voters whose names are already on the rolls will also have to fill and submit enumeration forms.
- The enumeration form can be downloaded online or obtained from the Booth Level Officer (BLO) in each polling area.
- This process is being conducted under Sections 21–24 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
- The goal is to ensure “no eligible voter is left out and no ineligible entry remains.”
The Commission emphasized that this initiative will result in the creation of a completely fresh electoral roll for Tamil Nadu.
Timeline for Tamil Nadu SIR 2025–26
According to official details submitted by the ECI:
| Process Step | Date / Period |
|---|---|
| Launch of Enumeration Work | 4 November 2025 |
| Publication of Draft Roll | 9 December 2025 |
| Claims & Objections Period | Till 8 January 2026 |
| Disposal of Claims/Objections | January 2026 |
| Final Electoral Roll Publication | 7 February 2026 |
This means that all voters — including those already registered — must submit their enumeration forms before the end of the enumeration phase to ensure inclusion in the 2026 final voter list.
Who Needs to Submit the Enumeration Form?
Unlike previous revisions, this time every registered voter must participate:
-
Existing Voters:
Those already on the voter list must re-confirm their details by submitting a fresh enumeration form. -
New Voters (First-Time Applicants):
Must fill out the enumeration form along with a declaration and proof of age, identity, and residence. -
Migrants / Address-Changed Voters:
Those who have shifted residence must fill out a new form and indicate their new address.
The enumeration form is available both online via the ECI portal and offline through BLOs.
Difference Between SIR and Annual Summary Revision (SSR)
| Feature | Special Intensive Revision (SIR) | Special Summary Revision (SSR) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Re-builds entire voter list | Updates existing list |
| Participation | All voters (old + new) must submit forms | Only new or corrected entries |
| Frequency | Rare (last in TN: 2002–2005) | Annual |
| Verification | Door-to-door verification by BLOs | Limited verification |
| Risk of Exclusion | Higher if form not submitted | Minimal |
The ECI clarified that existing names will not automatically remain on the rolls during SIR — each voter must actively re-apply.
Documents Required for Enumeration Form
While the process is simpler for those already on the list, the following documents may be needed for new voters or address changes:
- Proof of Age (Birth Certificate / School Certificate)
- Proof of Identity (Aadhaar / Passport / PAN / Driving License)
- Proof of Address (Ration Card / Electricity Bill / Rental Agreement)
For existing voters with no changes, the form may not require attachments — but submission is still mandatory.
What Happens If You Don’t Submit the Form?
If an existing voter fails to submit the enumeration form within the prescribed period:
- Their name may not appear in the 2026 voter list.
- They could lose the right to vote in upcoming elections until re-enrollment.
- The ECI has advised citizens to check draft rolls carefully and file claims if omitted.
Thus, all eligible citizens must participate to safeguard their voting rights.
Political and Public Reactions
The large-scale SIR drive has sparked debate and concern across Tamil Nadu:
- Several political parties have urged the ECI to pause the process until the Supreme Court’s verdict on related petitions.
- An all-party meeting even resolved to approach the apex court, citing concerns over potential voter exclusion.
- However, the ECI assured the Madras High Court that there is no cause for fear, as all eligible names will be included after due process of claims and objections.
Why This Exercise Is Important
The Special Intensive Revision has not been conducted in Tamil Nadu for nearly two decades. It is seen as an opportunity to:
- Clean up duplicate and ineligible entries
- Add young voters turning 18 by 2026
- Ensure fair, updated, and transparent rolls before the 2026 General and Assembly Elections
The ECI described it as a “once-in-a-generation” voter database modernization effort.
How to Submit the Enumeration Form
- Visit the National Voter’s Service Portal (NVSP)
- or contact your local BLO.
- Download or collect the SIR Enumeration Form.
- Fill in details — Name, Age, Address, EPIC number (if existing).
- Submit it to your BLO or upload it online.
- Keep the acknowledgement receipt safely.
You can later verify your inclusion when the draft roll is published in December 2025.
Key Takeaways
- SIR = Complete re-enumeration of all voters in Tamil Nadu.
- Existing voters must also submit forms — not just new applicants.
- Deadline: Submit before 9 December 2025 (Draft Roll date).
- Final list by February 2026.
- Aim: “No eligible person left out, no ineligible person retained.”