If you are a voter in Visakhapatnam, your name could be missing from the next electoral roll. The district has completed its Summary Revision (SIR) digitisation of all 20.23 lakh electors — and over 2.4 lakh names have been dropped. Here is what you need to do.
What the SIR digitisation means for Visakhapatnam voters
The Summary Revision (SIR) is a periodic exercise to clean up the electoral roll by removing ineligible or missing entries. Visakhapatnam district has now completed this process, covering every one of its 20,23,000 registered electors. The draft roll will be officially released on July 31.
Why 2.4 lakh names were removed
A total of 2,40,209 names have been taken out of the draft roll. According to Collector M. Abhishikth Kishore, these voters were found to be absent (no longer residing at the address), shifted to another constituency, deceased, or listed more than once (duplicate entries). This is standard revision procedure to ensure accuracy.
Who is affected — and how to check your name
Any voter whose name has been removed will not appear in the final electoral roll unless they reapply. Residents who suspect their name may have been dropped — or who have recently moved or turned 18 — should verify their status once the draft roll is published on July 31.
Official process for inclusion: July 31 to August 30
Collector Kishore announced that from July 31 to August 30, left-out or newly eligible voters can submit Form 6 to be included in the roll. Applications can be filed online via the Election Commission portal or at designated submission centres in the district. No fee is required.
What documents will you need for Form 6
Applicants must provide proof of identity (Aadhaar, passport, or other photo ID), address proof (ration card, electricity bill, etc.), and a recent passport-size photograph. The form also requires details of any family members already registered at the same address.
Confirmed facts vs what remains unclear
It is confirmed that the digitisation is complete, the draft roll date is July 31, and the inclusion window runs through August 30. What is not yet available is a breakdown by constituency or ward of the 2.4 lakh removed names. Whether any voter listed as 'shifted' can reclaim their original booth without a formal transfer order remains to be clarified.
Wider trend: Why SIR digitisation matters across India
Electoral roll digitisation is part of the Election Commission’s push for error-free rolls before major elections. Visakhapatnam’s exercise mirrors similar drives in Andhra Pradesh and other states. Accurate rolls prevent impersonation, reduce voter confusion, and ensure every legitimate voice counts.
Practical reader guidance
If you are a voter in Visakhapatnam: Wait for the draft roll to be published on July 31. Check your name online or at your polling station. If your name is missing, submit Form 6 before August 30. For new voters aged 18 or above, this is also the time to register. Keep photocopies of all documents.
Future outlook
After the inclusion window closes, the district will publish the final electoral roll. This updated roll will be used for all upcoming elections — municipal, state, or national. Citizens should act within the window to avoid disenfranchisement.
Our Take
The SIR digitisation is a routine but vital administrative exercise. Removing 2.4 lakh names may seem drastic, but it reflects genuine housekeeping. The one-month window is generous — but only if voters are aware of it. The district administration must invest in outreach — particularly in rural and slum areas — to ensure no eligible voter is left behind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SIR digitisation in elections?
SIR stands for Summary Revision — a periodic update of the electoral roll. Digitisation means converting paper records into a digital database to improve accuracy and speed. Visakhapatnam has now completed this for all 20.23 lakh electors.
Why were 2,40,209 voters removed from the Visakhapatnam roll?
These voters were found to be absent (no longer living at the recorded address), shifted to another area, deceased, or entered more than once. The removal cleans up the roll and prevents fraud.
How can I check if my name is in the Visakhapatnam draft roell after July 31?
Visit the official Election Commission website (eci.gov.in) and use the voter search tool. You can also check at your local polling station or the office of the Electoral Registration Officer.
What is Form 6 and how do I submit it for voter inclusion?
Form 6 is the application for inclusion of your name in the electoral roll (for new voters or those left out). It must be submitted between July 31 and August 30 — online or in person — along with proof of identity and address.
