Why voters in India must give proof of place of birth now

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) initiative for electoral rolls, starting with Bihar, to ensure only eligible Indian citizens are registered to vote. This would mark the first such revision of rolls since 2003 and introduces a new requirement: voters not listed in the 2003 electoral roll must provide proof of their place of birth and a self-declared statement of Indian citizenship.

Voters born before July 1, 1987 will need to provide a document that shows their date and/or place of birth on the enumeration form, according to an Election Commission order issued on June 24.

The move is aimed at eliminating ineligible voters, including illegal immigrants, from the rolls, and has been prompted by concerns over electoral integrity amid rapid urbanisation, migration, and demographic changes, according to the poll body.

The initiative comes amid persistent concerns from the Opposition, particularly the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi, who have repeatedly flagged alleged manipulation of voter rolls. The BJP has also highlighted the inclusion of illegal immigrants in electoral lists. Multiple reports have surfaced to support the claims.

Bihar, where elections are due later this year, will be the first state to see the nationwide initiative, with other states to follow, according to media reports.

WHAT CHANGES NOW IN VOTER LIST CLEAN-UP

The ECI, with the decision, is responding to long-standing concerns about the accuracy of voter lists, particularly the inclusion of illegal foreign nationals.

The ECI cited "rapid urbanisation, frequent migration, and inclusion of illegal immigrants" in electoral rolls as reasons for the SIR.

In Bihar, where the SIR was last conducted in 2003, the ECI noted that these factors necessitated a thorough revision to maintain error-free electoral rolls.

"The [Election] Commission has now decided to begin the Special Intensive Revision in the entire country for the discharge of its constitutional mandate to protect the integrity of the electoral rolls," The Indian Express reported, quoting ECI sources, adding that the exercise in Bihar would pave the way for a nationwide exercise.

The poll body says the process aligns with Article 326 of the Constitution, which mandates that only Indian citizens above 18 years and ordinary residents can vote.

The ECI says it aims to enhance transparency and fairness.

WHAT'S REQUIRED FROM VOTERS TO BE ON ELECTORAL ROLL?

Voters enroled after 2003 or new applicants must submit a pre-filled enumeration form, distributed by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during house-to-house visits, along with a self-attested declaration of citizenship, reported The Times of India.

They must also provide one of 11 eligible documents, such as a birth certificate or passport, to prove their place and date of birth.

For those born before July 1, 1987, only personal proof is needed. Those born thereafter need to provide parental documents too.

Those born between July 1, 1987, and December 2, 2004, will need to provide proof of place and date of birth along with documents of their mother or father. For those born after December 2, 2004, proof of place and date of birth and documents of both parents would be needed, according to The Indian Express.

Voters listed in the 2003 roll are presumed eligible unless contradictory evidence emerges. Documents can be submitted in person or via the ECINET app, the ECI said.

The EC said it was empowered by the Representation of the People Act, 1950 to direct a SIR of the electoral rolls "including preparation of electoral rolls afresh".

The EC had exercised this power 13 times before, from 1952-56 to 2004, said The Times of India.

STEP-BY-STEP: HOW SIR WILL BE DONE

The SIR in Bihar, starting June 25, 2025, will use the 2003 electoral roll as the base draft.

BLOs will conduct house-to-house surveys to verify voter details, collect forms and documents.

Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) will scrutinise submissions, conduct field enquiries if eligibility is doubted, and issue formal orders on inclusion or exclusion.

Political parties are involved through Booth Level Agents (BLAs), who can raise objections or appeal decisions to ensure transparency. The final roll will be published post-verification, with a qualifying date of July 1, 2025.

While Bihar is the pilot, the ECI plans to extend the SIR across India, with schedules for other states to be announced later, according to reports.

The ECI said that genuine voters, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly and disabled, will face minimal disruption, with volunteers assisting where needed. This revision is in line with what the ECI says, its commitment to a credible electoral process, addressing opposition concerns, including those raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, about voter list sanctity.

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