During the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) publishes two distinct versions of the voter list. Understanding the difference between the Draft Roll and the Final Roll is the only way to ensure your name isn’t one of the millions deleted during this “deep cleaning” process.
If you checked the list in December and saw your name, you are not safe yet—you must verify it again in the Final Roll to confirm your right to vote.
1. Draft vs. Final Voter List: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | Draft Electoral Roll (Published Dec 2025) | Final Electoral Roll (Published Feb 2026) |
| Purpose | To show who the BLO found during house-to-house visits. | The “frozen” list used on Election Day. |
| Status | Provisional; open for claims and objections. | Authoritative; no further mass changes. |
| Deletions | Lists names proposed for removal (ASD list). | Names are permanently removed from the main roll. |
| Action Needed | File Form 6 or 8 if your name is missing or wrong. | Download your Voter Slip and note your Serial Number. |
2. Step-by-Step: How to Compare Both Lists
Step 1: Check the Draft Roll Status (The “ASD” Search)
Most states (like West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and UP) published their SIR Draft Rolls in late December 2025.
- Visit your state’s CEO website (e.g., ceovermont.nic.in or ceouttarpradesh.nic.in).
- Look for the link: “Draft Electoral Roll 2026”.
- Check the ASD (Absent, Shifted, Dead) list. If your name is here, it means you were NOT included in the main Draft Roll and will be deleted unless you object.
Step 2: Verify the Final Roll (The “Active” Search)
The Final Rolls for the 2026 SIR cycle are scheduled for publication between February 7 and February 17, 2026.
- Go to electoralsearch.eci.gov.in.
- Use the ‘Search by EPIC’ tool.
- Confirm the Revision Date: Look at the bottom of your digital voter slip. It should say “Revision Year: 2026”. If it still says 2025, the final data for your area has not been uploaded yet.
3. Voter Impact: Why the Final Roll Matters Most
The SIR 2026 drive has seen unprecedented deletion rates (over 15% in some urban areas like Chennai).
- The “Unmapped” Risk: Even if you have an old Voter ID, you might be “unmapped” if your data didn’t link with the 2003 base records.
- Continuity Protection: In states like Uttar Pradesh, the ECI has introduced a special Form 6 option. If your name was in the 2025 list but is missing from the 2026 Draft, you can apply as an “Existing Voter before SIR” to keep your old EPIC number and record history.
4. What to Do if You are in the Draft but NOT the Final
If your name appeared in December but disappeared in February:
- Check for “Suplementary” Lists: Sometimes names are added in a separate PDF at the end of the Final Roll document.
- Verify Hearing Status: Did you receive a notice for a hearing in January? If you missed it, the ERO may have finalized your deletion.
- Continuous Updation: Immediately file a fresh Form 6 online. While the “Special” revision is over, the “Continuous” revision is always open until the election notification.
Online Verification Steps (Summary)
- Check Draft: CEO State Website (PDF search in ASD list).
- Check Final: voters.eci.gov.in (Search by EPIC/Mobile).
- Key Dates: Claims closed on Jan 8; Final Roll starts Feb 7, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I vote using the Draft Voter List?
No. You can only vote if your name appears in the Final Electoral Roll. The Draft is only for verification and corrections.
Q2: What is the “Qualifying Date” I see on the 2026 lists?
The qualifying date is January 1, 2026. This means only those who turned 18 on or before this date are included in this specific Final Roll.
Q3: My name is in the PDF but not the online search. Why?
There is often a 48-72 hour delay between the physical publication of the PDF and the updating of the online “Search by EPIC” database. Check back in two days.
Key Takeaways for Voters
- Draft = Chance to Fix: If you’re missing, file Form 6 immediately.
- Final = Right to Vote: This is the only list that matters on polling day.
- ASD List is Key: Always check if you have been wrongly categorized as “Shifted” or “Dead.”
Helpful Video Guide (English)
Difference Between Draft and Final Voter List Explained
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