Special Intensive Revision: Mobile linking rule for online forms sparks plaints in Karnataka

Bengaluru: Even as more voters opt to submit their Special Intensive Revision (SIR) enumeration forms online, the process has drawn complaints over mandatory mobile number linking with the voter ID.Election officials, however, clarified that filing the form online is only the first step, with booth-level Officers (BLOs) required to carry out document verification before the application is completed.Civil society group `My Vote My Right’ has written to state chief electoral officer V Anbukkumar, seeking his intervention to remove the requirement of linking a mobile number with the electoral photo Identity card (EPIC) before an enumeration form can be filed online.In its representation, the group said the Election Commission (ECI) portal requires voters to first link their mobile number to their voter ID through Form 8. It argued that many voters are unable to complete this step, making the online application process cumbersome. The group said that in some cases, voters are advised to apply for a replacement voter ID by declaring the existing card is damaged or lost and submitting supporting proof.

The organisation has urged ECI to remove the mobile linking requirement to make online filing easier. The issue has gained attention as several voters sought clarity on what happens after an online application is submitted.A senior official in the ECI office said submitting the enumeration form online does not complete the verification process. After the application is received, the BLO visits the voter’s registered address with a printed copy of the submitted form.

“If a voter is abroad and has filled the form online, the BLO will visit the house with the printed form. Depending on the voter’s year of birth, the BLO will ask the family to produce one or more supporting documents listed on the reverse of the enumeration form.

After verification, the form will be signed and uploaded,” the official said.The official said the documents required vary according to the voter’s year of birth. If any discrepancies arise, they can be addressed during the claims and objections period after the draft electoral rolls are published.The civil society group has also suggested that facilitation centres be operated from 6pm to 9.30pm at every polling booth so that working voters can collect and submit enumeration forms after office hours.