The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday released the draft electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh following the completion of the enumeration phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026. The draft roll has triggered attention as significant changes have been made to the voter list, with a large number of entries deleted and the electorate count considerably revised.

Key Figures from UP Draft Roll

According to UP Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa, the previous electoral roll had 15.44 crore voters, but the revised draft roll now lists 12.55 crore, marking a reduction of around 2.89 crore voters. This represents an 18.7% reduction, meaning roughly one in every five voters from the last roll has been removed during the SIR process.

Among the deletions, the Commission categorised the reasons as follows:

• Deceased voters: 46.23 lakh (approximately 2.99%)
• Shifted residents: 2.17 crore (approximately 14.06%)
• Duplicate entries: 25.46 lakh (approximately 1.65%)

The revision aims to improve accuracy in the electoral roll and remove entries that no longer meet eligibility criteria. However, it also gives voters an opportunity to verify their inclusion and raise objections if needed.

How to Check Your Name in the UP Draft Electoral Roll

Citizens can check whether their names appear on the draft roll through the Election Commission of India’s Voter Services portal. The process is as follows:

1. Visit the ECI website: Navigate to the ‘Voters’ Service Portal’ and locate the ‘Special Intensive Revision (SIR) – 2026’ tab.
2. Select the search option: Click on ‘Search your name in last SIR’. You will be presented with two options:
   • Search by electoral details
   • Search in last SIR e-roll

Search by electoral details requires inputting personal information, including:

• Full name
• Age
• State, district, and assembly constituency
• Polling station number
• Name of a relative (parent or spouse)

Once details are entered, fill in the Captcha code and click Search.

Search in last SIR e-roll allows you to enter:

• State and district
• Assembly constituency
• Polling station number and name

Upon completing these steps, the draft roll will display whether your name is included.

What to Do if Your Name is Missing

If a voter finds their name deleted, the ECI has provided a Claims and Objection period from January 6, 2026, to February 6, 2026. Genuine voters can be added back to the electoral roll by submitting:

• Form-6 (application for inclusion in the electoral roll)
• Declaration Form
• Any other relevant supporting documents

This period ensures that legitimate voters are not disenfranchised while maintaining the integrity of the electoral list.

Importance of the SIR Exercise

The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a nationwide initiative to update electoral rolls, especially ahead of upcoming elections. It involves:

• Verification of existing entries
• Removal of duplicates and ineligible entries
• Inclusion of new voters who meet the age and eligibility criteria

In Uttar Pradesh, the SIR process has drawn attention due to the substantial number of deletions and the critical importance of accurate rolls in one of India’s largest states electorally. The updated draft roll is vital for ensuring fair elections and preventing electoral malpractices such as multiple voting or ghost entries.

Key Takeaways for Voters

• Every eligible voter should verify their inclusion in the draft electoral roll.
• Names incorrectly deleted can be restored during the Claims and Objection period.
• Timely action is necessary, as the deadline for objections and claims is February 6, 2026.
• Voter verification helps maintain accuracy and prevents future complications during polling.

The ECI has urged citizens to act promptly if discrepancies are found, highlighting the role of active participation in safeguarding democratic processes. With the next phase of electoral roll publication and eventual finalization, voters who miss this window may face difficulties in exercising their right to vote.

In summary, the draft voter list of Uttar Pradesh has undergone a significant revision under the SIR 2026 exercise, reducing the total electorate by nearly three crore. Citizens should check the list immediately through the official ECI portal and submit claims or objections to ensure their participation in upcoming elections. The process is designed to enhance transparency and maintain accurate electoral records across the state.