SIR Begins In Karnataka Today: House-to-House Voter Verification Starts; Here's How To Register As A New Voter

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has begun the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Karnataka and four other states which includes Delhi, Maharashtra, Meghalaya and Jharkhand from June 30.

In Karnataka, the month-long verification drive will continue until July 29, during which Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will conduct door-to-door visits to verify voter details and start new registrations.

Over 5.5 Crore Karnataka Voters To Be Verified

According to the Election Commission, nearly 5.54 crore electors across Karnataka will be covered under the revision exercise. More than 59,000 Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have been deployed across the state to carry out house-to-house verification of voter details.

The qualifying date for this revision is October 1, 2026, meaning citizens who attain the age of 18 years on or before this date will be eligible to apply for inclusion in the electoral roll.

The Election Commission has said that the Special Intensive Revision is being conducted to maintain accurate electoral rolls while ensuring that every eligible voter gets an opportunity to register.

What Should Existing Voters Do?

Residents whose names already appear on the electoral roll are advised to cooperate with the Booth Level Officer during the verification process.

When the BLO visits your residence, you will be required to verify your personal details and fill out the enumeration form, if required.

If requested you can also provide supporting documents to confirm your current residential address.

Those who are unavailable during the house visit may also complete the process online through the Election Commission's Voter Services Portal.

How To Register As A New Voter During SIR

Eligible citizens who are not yet registered as voters can submit a Form 6 application either online or offline during the Special Intensive Revision period.

Applicants can complete the registration digitally by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Election Commission of India's Voter Services Portal.
Step 2: Create an account using your mobile number.
Step 3: Select "New Voter Registration (Form 6)."
Step 4: Enter personal details, including:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Other required information

Step 5: Upload supporting documents, if applicable.
Step 6: Review and submit the application

The Election Commission also allows new voter registration through the Voter Helpline App, making the process accessible via smartphones.

Offline Registration Process

Citizens who prefer offline registration can apply through their local election officials.

One should get Form 6 from the Booth Level Officer (BLO) during the house-to-house verification and fill in the required details carefully.

Then you must submit the completed form to Booth Level Officer (BLO),Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO)

Applicants may also send the completed form by post to the concerned Electoral Registration Officer, if required.

Documents Required

The Election Commission accepts various supporting documents for voter registration and verification, depending on individual cases. Commonly accepted documents include:

• Passport
• Birth Certificate
• Educational Certificates
• Other government-issued documents establishing age or identity, wherever applicable
• Election officials may request additional proof if discrepancies are found during the verification process.