The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026 is a “ground-up” rebuilding of the voter list. Unlike standard revisions that simply add or delete names, SIR changes the very structure of the electoral roll. In states like Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh, millions of names have been removed to “purify” the database, and polling booths have been reorganized.
If you are looking at the new 2026 list, here is exactly how to identify what has changed for you and your family.
1. Major Structural Changes to Look For
When comparing the pre-SIR (2025) and post-SIR (2026) lists, you will notice these primary shifts:
- New Serial Numbers: Since nearly 15-20% of entries (ghost voters, deceased, or shifted) have been removed in many areas, almost every voter will have a new Serial Number. Do not rely on your old one.
- Polling Station Rationalization: The ECI has enforced a limit of 1,200 to 1,500 voters per booth. If your old booth exceeded this, your name may have been moved to a newly created “Auxiliary Polling Station” in the same or a nearby building.
- EPIC Number Format: Many older 8-digit or non-standard ID numbers have been updated to the standard 10-digit alphanumeric format.
2. Step-by-Step: How to Compare Old vs. New Details
To identify specific changes to your record, follow this workflow:
Step A: Use the “View Details” Feature
- Go to electoralsearch.eci.gov.in.
- Search by your EPIC Number.
- Click on ‘View Details’.
- Check the field “Revision Year”. If it says 2026, these are your updated details. Compare the “Part Number” and “Serial Number” with your old physical Voter ID card.
Step B: Identify the “ASD” Status
If you cannot find your name in the main search:
- Visit your State CEO website and download the “List of Deletions” or “ASD List” (Absent, Shifted, Dead).
- If your name appears here, the “Reason for Change” column will indicate why you were removed (e.g., “S” for Shifted, “E” for Expired/Dead).
Step C: Check the “Supplements” Section
Open the PDF Voter List for your booth. Scroll to the very end to find the “Supplement List”.
- Additions: New voters added after the initial SIR draft.
- Corrections: Changes in name spellings or addresses made during the January 2026 claims period.
3. Voter Impact: Why Your Name Might Look Different
The SIR 2026 drive used the ECINet digital platform, which introduced automated checks:
- Transliteration Changes: Your name spelling in English might have changed slightly to better match the regional language pronunciation recorded by the BLO.
- Photo Updates: If the BLO scanned a new photo during the house-to-house visit, the “Photo Available” status will be updated, and you can now download a high-quality e-EPIC.
- Address Standardization: To enable GPS mapping of booths, many addresses have been “standardized.” Your house number might now be part of a newly named “Section” or “Block.”
4. What to Do if Changes are Incorrect
If the SIR process has introduced errors in your record:
- File Form 8: This is the universal form for “Correction of Entries.” You can use it to fix name spellings, photos, or date of birth.
- Submit Evidence: If your address was changed incorrectly, upload a copy of your Aadhaar or Electricity Bill as proof.
- Track Status: Use your reference number on the voters.eci.gov.in portal to ensure the ERO accepts your correction before the final election lock.
Online Verification Steps (Summary)
- National Portal: voters.eci.gov.in
- Comparison Key: Check Part No., Serial No., and Polling Station Name.
- Mobile App: Use the “Voter Helpline” app to see if your “Status” blinks green (Verified).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is my Serial Number lower than it was last year? This is a good sign! It means many “ghost” or duplicate voters before you in the list have been deleted, moving you up in the sequence.
Q2: My Booth Name is the same, but the address is different. Why? During SIR “Rationalization,” the ECI sometimes moves booths from private buildings to government buildings or from older rooms to newer ones in the same school complex.
Q3: How can I see a list of everyone who was deleted from my area? State CEO websites publish a specific “ASD List” PDF for every constituency. This list shows every name removed during the SIR 2026 drive and the reason for deletion.
Key Takeaways for Voters
- Expect a New Serial Number: Almost everyone’s number has changed.
- Check the “ASD” PDF: If you are missing, this is the first place to look.
- Verify Booth Address: Don’t assume you are voting at the same old spot.
Helpful Video Guide (English)
ECI’s New Voter List Revision Explained: What’s Different?
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