Tamil Nadu SIR: Over 97 lakh names of voters deleted, around 85 per cent forms filed
Tamil Nadu SIR: Omitted genuine voters can still claim their rights during the Claims and Objections phase, from December 19, 2025, to January 18, 2026. This period enables additions, deletions, corrections, and checks, letting citizens shape accurate rolls together.
Tamil Nadu's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has seen massive turnout, with 5.43 crore out of 6.41 crore electors submitting forms by December 19 (Friday)- showcasing unprecedented civic engagement ahead of future polls. Over 97 lakh (around 15 per cent) names of the voters were deleted from the voter list.
Record-breaking participation in phase one
The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Tamil Nadu, reported a staggering 5,43,76,755 enumeration forms submitted from a total electorate of 6,41,14,587. This translates to over 84 per cent participation, reflecting robust public response to the first phase of SIR- a drive to update and purify voter lists for accuracy. Launched recently, the initiative aims to ensure every eligible citizen's voice counts, minimising discrepancies that could affect elections.
Claims and objections: Final chance for additions
Genuine electors omitted from the draft rolls can still secure their voting rights during the claims and objections period, running from December 19, to January 18, 2026. This window allows additions, deletions, corrections, and verifications, empowering citizens to refine the rolls collaboratively. Authorities urge eligible voters to act swiftly via online portals, Booth Level Officers (BLOs), or designated centers to avoid disenfranchisement.
97.4 lakh voters purged from Tamil Nadu rolls in SIR drive
Tamil Nadu's electoral rolls shrank from 6.41 crore (as of October 27, 2025) to 5.43 crore after the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration phase ended December 14, Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik announced Friday. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Assistants (BLAs) conducted up to three house visits to verify details, purging 97.4 lakh names for inaccuracies.
Breakdown of deletions and new voter profile
Deletions targeted deceased (26.94 lakh), permanently shifted/absentee (66.44 lakh), multiple enrollments (3.39 lakh), and 12,000 who opted out. The draft roll now features 2.77 crore male voters, 2.66 crore female, 7,191 third gender, and 4.19 lakh differently abled voters. Drafts reached District Election Officers and political parties today. Sholinganallur, Pallavaram, and Alandur saw the highest removals.
Claims window open: Act now to reclaim or add names
Claims and objections run now through January 18, 2026- use Form 6 for inclusions (newcomers or Sri Lankan repatriates), Form 7 for objections, Form 8 for address changes. Submit via BLOs, EROs, online portals, or special camps. Patnaik urged prompt action to avoid disenfranchisement.
Tamil Nadu leads SIR surge with 84.81 per cent form submissions
In Tamil Nadu, gearing up for assembly elections next year, the Election Commission reported robust participation, with 5.43 crore out of 6.41 crore electors, or 84.81 per cent, submitting enumeration forms under the Special Intensive Revision drive.
Draft rolls published across key regions
Draft electoral rolls for West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep were released on December 16, listing 12.32 crore electors' names. This SIR exercise spans 12 states and Union Territories, culminating in final rolls by February to ensure accurate voter lists nationwide.
Why SIR matters for Tamil Nadu's democracy?
Tamil Nadu's proactive revision underscores its commitment to electoral integrity, especially with urban migration and demographic shifts challenging roll accuracy. High submission rates signal strong awareness campaigns and BLO efficiency. Final rolls post-January will form the backbone for upcoming local and state elections, potentially boosting turnout and trust in the process. The CEO's office hailed the overwhelming participation as a democratic milestone.