The process of SIR has created quite a stir nationwide. There are n number of questions swirling around the topic like why is it important and what happens next or does it impact the citizenship. But with the deadline of December 4 approaching, there is only thing that seems to be like the million dollar question right now – What happens if you skip the deadline?
Here’s what ECI says if you miss the SIR deadline
Scenario 1: Booth-level officers (BLOs) try up to three times to collect voter forms from each household. If they cannot reach you or do not receive the form, your details may not appear in the draft voter list. There is no immediate penalty, but you may later receive a notice asking for verification.
What you can do: Submit your details online at voters.eci.gov.in under “Fill Enumeration Form”, or contact your BLO or the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO). If you need to correct something, you can use Form 8.
Scenario 2: Your name may be left out of the draft list if your form was not submitted or if old SIR records (such as those from 2002) were used and could not be confirmed. In such cases, the ERO may start a suo motu enquiry and send a notice asking why your details were not verified. If the officer suspects that a person is not eligible; for example, a possible foreign national, the matter may be referred to authorities under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
What you can do: Submit a claim during the claims-and-objections period, usually open until January 2026. Use Form 6 for adding your name. You can provide any one of the suggested documents, such as a birth certificate, Aadhaar card, or an old voter ID. No documents are required during the initial enumeration stage.
What happens if you apply after the draft roll is released on Dec 9?
Scenario 3: If you apply after the draft is released on December 9, you will need to attend a hearing before the ERO to confirm your eligibility. If you do not attend or cannot prove your eligibility, your name may be removed from the final list, which could affect your right to vote in the next election. If approved, you may receive a new voter ID.
What you can do: Attend the hearing with the necessary documents. Camps will be set up after December 9 to help people with the process. If you face issues with a BLO or ERO, you can email complaints@eci.gov.in
