Draft Voter Lists Released for Five States, Verification Process Begins

New Delhi: It is the priority of the Election Commission to keep the voter list correct and updated before the upcoming elections. Under this process, draft voter lists of five states and union territories have been released. Its purpose is to ensure that only the names of eligible and active voters are included in the voter list.

The list of which states and union territories has been revealed?

This time the draft list of areas that has been published includes West Bengal, Rajasthan, Goa, Puducherry, and Lakshadweep. Door-to-door verification was done at all these places in recent months, on the basis of which this draft list has been prepared.

What kind of changes can be seen in the draft list?

According to officials, this time a large number of names have been removed of people who are no longer alive, have moved to another place permanently, or whose names were registered more than once. In some states, it is expected that 7 to 8 percent of the total voters' names will be removed. At the same time, in a small area like Lakshadweep, this number may be relatively less.

What role has been given to political parties?

The Election Commission has also shared the draft voter list with political parties. Parties have been given the opportunity to check the list at their own level, and if any discrepancy is noticed, then they should lodge objections in time. This maintains transparency in preparing the final list.

How can common voters check their information?

The draft voter list has been made available on the website of the Chief Electoral Officer of the respective states. Common people can go there and see their name, address, and other details. If someone's name has been deleted by mistake, entered wrongly, or not included, then he can apply for correction within the stipulated time limit.

What happens next after objection and correction?

The objections and claims received on the draft list will be investigated. After this the Election Commission will release the final voter list. This final voter list will be used during the elections. The Commission says that the purpose of this entire process is that the name of every eligible citizen is in the list and no ineligible name remains in it.

Why is this process considered important?

A clean and correct voter list is the foundation of fair elections. For this reason, the Election Commission conducts such reviews from time to time so that people's confidence in the democratic process remains.