Submit Enumeration Form By July 25 To Feature In Draft Bihar List, EC Tells Voters

Last Updated:July 08, 2025, 16:37 IST

The poll body also explained that eligibility documents may be submitted separately during the claims and objections period ending on September 1

For an all-inclusive electoral roll, the poll body is reaching out to all the 7.90 crore registered voters in Bihar. (PTI)

The Election Commission of India on Tuesday clarified that all individuals who submit their Enumeration Forms by July 25 will be included in the draft voter list, which is expected to be released on August 1.

The poll body also explained that eligibility documents may be submitted separately during the claims and objections period ending on September 1.

Amid confusion and accusations on the electoral roll revision, the EC stated a four-pillar strategy that is the base of the exercise for an inclusive and error-free voter list ahead of the assembly polls in Bihar.

The explanation was for the norms already stated in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) order issued on June 24.

The strategy emphasises full household coverage, inclusion of all form-submitters in the draft roll, strict adherence to legal eligibility criteria, and a transparent grievance redressal process through speaking orders and appeals.

Covering Every Voter

For an all-inclusive electoral roll, the poll body is reaching out to all the 7.90 crore registered voters in Bihar.

Pre-filled enumeration forms, with details of elector’s name, address, old photo, have been made available to every existing elector.

As of date, the forms have been distributed to 7.69 crore electors—97.42 per cent of the total.

“BLOs are visiting each household at least three times to collect the filled-up enumeration forms, to ensure that no one is left out. First visit completed, second visit underway. Many electors were found dead, shifted or migrated," the ECI stated.

Form Submitted Means Entry In Draft Voter List

The poll body also made it clear that those submitting the Enumeration Forms will be included in the draft Electoral Roll to be published on August 1.

“The Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will prepare the draft electoral roll by including all the electors whose enumeration forms have been received before July 25," the ECI said.

Apart from EROs, Chief Electoral Officers (CEOs), District Election Officers (DEOs), and Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are taking care that genuine electors, particularly old, sick, PwD, poor and other vulnerable groups are not harassed and are facilitated to the extent possible, including through the deployment of volunteers.

“Eligibility documents can also be submitted separately during the claims and objections period which ends on September 1," the ECI said.

A poll body official added that there has been no change in norms mid-way, as claimed by some.

In the original order issued on June 24, the ECI had mentioned this saying that after publication of the draft Electoral Rolls, ERO/AERO will scrutinise the eligibility of proposed electors in accordance with the qualification of electors prescribed under various laws.

For this, documents submitted and field reports should be used.

The rules also stated that in case ERO/AERO doubts the eligibility of the proposed elector due to non-submission of requisite documents or otherwise, they will start a suo moto inquiry and issue notice to such proposed elector, as to why his/her name should not be deleted.

“Based on field inquiry, documentation or otherwise, ERO/AERO will decide on the inclusion of such proposed Electors in the final roll. In each such case, ERO/AERO shall pass a speaking order," the original order had said.

Also, EROs will refer cases of suspected foreign nationals to the competent authority under the Citizenship Act, 1955.

The ECI also explained that the eligibility of an elector is as per Article 326 of the Constitution, read with Sections 16 and 19 of the RP Act, 1950. “Person who is a citizen of India; Not less than 18 years of age on the qualifying date; Ordinarily resident in the constituency and not otherwise disqualified under any law," the poll body listed the conditions to be a voter.

Exclusion Only After Inquiry

After publication of draft rolls, ERO will scrutinise the eligibility of proposed electors and come to their satisfaction based on documents, as per indicative but not exhaustive of the list and field reports.

In case of any doubt regarding eligibility of any elector whose name has appeared in the draft roll, ERO/AERO will pass speaking orders after giving notice to such proposed elector.

“Any person aggrieved by decision of the ERO, may prefer an appeal to the DM and second appeal can be preferred before the CEO against order of the DM, in accordance with Section 24 of the RP Act, 1950 (page 6, para 14)," they explained.

The poll body has, time and again, said the process is transparent and it will ensure that no eligible voter will be left out.

News elections Submit Enumeration Form By July 25 To Feature In Draft Bihar List, EC Tells Voters