Bhubaneswar: Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of Odisha, R. S. Gopalan, on Tuesday informed eligible electors whose names are not included in the draft electoral roll published on July 5, 2026, can apply for inclusion by submitting Form-6 along with the required declaration form to their respective Booth Level Officers (BLOs). The window for filing claims and objections will remain open until August 4, 2026.

The CEO stated that the process of filing claims and objections is currently underway across the state. Citizens have been urged to verify their details in the draft electoral roll and submit claims, objections, or correction requests either through BLOs or via the official portal voters.eci.gov.in or the ECI NET App within the stipulated deadline.

Key Provisions for Voters

To ensure an accurate and updated electoral roll, the following provisions have been made:

•    New Voters: Individuals who have turned 18 years of age as of July 1, 2026, can apply for enrolment using Form-6 along with the prescribed declaration. 

•    Deletion of Names: Form-7 can be used to request removal of names of deceased or ineligible persons. 

•    Correction/Address Change: Existing voters can submit Form-8 for corrections or change of address. In case of migration from another state, a declaration must be submitted along with Form-8. 

•    All applications can be submitted online through the voters.eci.gov.in portal or the ECI NET App. 

Notice and Hearing Process

During the ongoing claims and objections phase, notices are being issued by Assistant Electoral Registration Officers (AEROs) to electors whose details show discrepancies or do not match records from the 2002 electoral roll.

Upon receiving such notices, electors are required to attend hearings on the scheduled date, time, and venue and present valid documents approved by the Election Commission of India. Alternatively, documents can also be submitted online via the voters’ portal. Authorities have also enabled video-call hearings, wherever feasible, to ensure a smoother process for voters.

Status of Notices and Hearings

•    Notices to be generated: 58,36,341 

•    Notices generated: 57,98,889 

•    Notices delivered: 7,93,490 

•    Pending delivery: 50,05,399 

•    Hearings conducted: 1,42,111 

Special Provisions for Vulnerable Groups

To assist senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), sick and infirm individuals, and those residing in remote areas, personal attendance at hearings is generally not mandatory. Booth Level Officers will collect necessary documents directly from their residences to ensure a convenient and accessible process.

Special Intensive Revision (SIR) Schedule

The Election Commission of India has initiated a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll in Odisha with July 1, 2026, as the qualifying date. The schedule is as follows:

•    Qualifying Date: July 1, 2026 

•    Draft Electoral Roll Publication: July 5, 2026 

•    Claims & Objections Period: July 5 to August 4, 2026 

•    Disposal of Claims & Objections: July 5 to September 2, 2026 

•    Final Electoral Roll Publication: September 6, 2026 

The CEO reiterated the importance of public participation in ensuring an accurate and error-free electoral roll and urged all eligible citizens to complete the verification and correction process within the deadline.