Karnataka to conduct a Special Revision of voter lists in 2026, with Booth-Level Officers verifying households, updating records, and ensuring electoral accuracy for the first time since 2002.
The Karnataka State Election Commission has announced that a Special Comprehensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists will be conducted in the state for 2026 to ensure the accuracy and credibility of electoral rolls. State Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar informed that preparations for the revision have already begun. The last SIR in Karnataka was conducted in 2002, making this the first in 23 years.
During a media workshop at the Chief Electoral Officer’s office in Bengaluru, V. Anbukumar explained that Booth-Level Officers (BLOs) will visit every household to verify voter identity cards. They will compare data from the 2002 SIR list with the 2025 voter lists and collect updated information from residents. Two forms will be provided to each household, one of which, after verification, will be returned to the voter.
BLOs will make up to three visits if residents are unavailable and may seek assistance from neighbors. Voters with unclear photographs on their ID cards will be required to provide new photos. Each voter must submit a mandatory document requested by the Election Commission. Those unable to provide details in person can apply online. Cases of duplicate entries will be detected using a photo scanning system, and action will be taken against multiple applications by the same person.
Political party leaders have been briefed about the SIR process, and each booth will have designated agents. Approximately 18,000 booth-level officers, including teachers and anganwadi workers, will participate. While the exact start date is pending official notification from the central government, preparations are expected to be completed by September 23.
