LUCKNOW: The Election Commission of India (ECI) unveiled the draft electoral rolls for Uttar Pradesh today, marking a significant step towards organizing the upcoming elections in 2026. Originally scheduled for release on December 31, the ECI adjusted the timeline following a request from the Chief Electoral Officer to extend the deadline for a thorough re-verification of voters who may have deceased, relocated, or remain absent from the registered list.

From today until February 6, 2026, voters across the state are encouraged to submit claims and objections regarding the electoral roll. The ECI has set aside January 6 to February 27 for scrutinizing these forms and resolving any claims. With the final electoral rolls scheduled for publication on March 6, 2026, the commission aims to ensure a comprehensive and accurate voter list ahead of the elections.

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll has proven notable, with approximately 2.89 crore voters categorized as "uncollectable." This figure represents about 18.7 percent of the total electorate in Uttar Pradesh. Most of these exclusions stem from individuals who have either moved permanently, passed away, or were identified as duplicates. In the capital city of Lucknow alone, the number of registered voters has decreased by nearly 12 lakh, raising concerns over voter participation in future elections.

Navdeep Rinwa, the Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, emphasized the importance of this process, stating, “We are dedicated to maintaining an accurate voter base and ensuring that every eligible citizen has the opportunity to participate.” Voters previously registered but removed from the list are urged to provide documentation that confirms their previous registration to facilitate re-inclusion in the electoral process.

To facilitate easy access to the draft rolls, residents can download the relevant documents from the official ECI website or visit their polling stations for more information. The upcoming electoral process is pivotal, inspiring civic engagement and representation as the state prepares for its democratic duties.