SIR in India: How to make corrections in your Voter ID - a step-by-step guide

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The Election Commission of India (ECI) is currently conducting the Special Intensive Revision (commonly referred to as SIR), an exercise that is meant to help in updating electoral rolls ahead of the next voting cycle in different states. It was first held in Bihar and is now being held in 12 states and Union Territories.

During this period, eligible voters can apply for new registrations, update their details or request corrections to existing voter ID information.

If your voter ID contains errors, such as spelling mistakes, outdated address information or incorrect age, then this window might be a good time to fix them. Here’s how the correction process works.

The Special Intensive Revision is a scheduled verification drive where booth-level officers (BLOs) visit households to verify voter details, distribute enumeration forms, collect updated information and ensure the accuracy of the electoral rolls, including the addition of all eligible voters in India and excluding all those who are ineligible to vote.

During this period, corrections, additions, deletions, and shifts in voter entries are processed by the Election Commission officials.

Anyone already enrolled in the electoral roll can request updates if:

• Their name is misspelt
• Their address has formatting errors
• Their date of birth or gender is incorrect
• Their photograph is missing or needs replacement
• Details of a parent, spouse or guardian are inaccurateHow to request a correction?You can update your voter details either offline through the BLO or online via the Voter Services Portal (if enabled in your state). Option 1: Offline correction via BLO
• Check your existing details
• When the BLO visits, verify your information printed in the draft roll or form shared with you.
• Fill the correction form

• The distributed verification form
• Or Form 8, which is specifically meant for corrections in already enrolled entries.
• Provide supporting documents (if required)You will then be required to submit the form to the BLO of your area. They will upload or forward the details to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) for processing.

If your state permits online submissions during SIR, you can:

• Visit the Voter Services Portal
• Select Form 8 – Correction of Entries in Existing Roll
• Fill in the correct details
• Upload supporting documents
• Submit and track your application status online

• Downloadable as digital e-EPIC
• Delivered physically by post (depending on region)Why corrections matter

An accurate voter ID ensures:

• Smooth verification at polling stations
• No mismatches with identity documents
• Hassle-free voting during elections
• Even small spelling errors or outdated addresses can cause issues during polling Therefore, if your voter ID has errors, you should contact your BLO and get the errors fixed before the final electoral rolls are published.