As the countdown to the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 begins, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has initiated an intensive revision of the state’s voter list. Starting Sunday, a door-to-door verification campaign will be conducted to distribute forms to eligible citizens and update the electoral roll.

This special drive aims to add new voters, remove ineligible names, and correct existing details to ensure a fair and transparent election. The move comes after growing political scrutiny over the accuracy of the voter database and is the first such detailed exercise in over two decades.

What is the Voter List Revision Drive?

The special summary revision of the voter list in Bihar involves election officials visiting households across the state. Their objective is to:

• Distribute Form-6 (for adding new voters)

• Collect supporting documents such as age proof and residence proof

• Help citizens update or correct their electoral details

• Identify and delete names of deceased or relocated voters

The exercise will continue over the next few weeks, with a deadline for final voter list publication expected before the official poll schedule is announced.

Why Is This Voter Verification Drive Significant?

With the 2025 Bihar Vidhan Sabha elections expected later this year—possibly post the Chhath festival, according to political circles—the revision of the electoral roll is critical. The last time such a detailed revision was undertaken in Bihar was 22 years ago, making this campaign highly significant.

Analysts suggest that this updated roll will directly impact the poll outcome in a state where margins are often razor-thin and voter turnout plays a crucial role.

What Documents Are Required to Enroll or Modify Voter Details?

For citizens participating in the door-to-door campaign, the Election Commission has made it mandatory to submit valid documents. Here’s what will be accepted:

• Proof of Age: Birth Certificate, Aadhaar card, School certificate, PAN card (for age verification).

• Proof of Residence: Ration card, utility bills, Aadhaar card, or rental agreement.

Those turning 18 years old by January 1, 2025, are especially encouraged to register.

How to Add or Remove a Name from the Voter List?

The process for voter list inclusion or deletion has been simplified:

 To Add a Name:

1. Fill Form-6 (available with survey officials or online via the ECI website or Voter Helpline App).

2. Attach age and residence proof documents.

3. Submit it during the door-to-door visit or online.

 To Remove a Name:

1. Fill Form-7 in case of death, migration, or duplicate entries.

2. Provide valid reason and, if possible, a death certificate or proof of relocation.

 To Correct Details:

1. Use Form-8 to update name spelling, address, gender, or photo.

This process ensures that only genuine and eligible voters are included, and errors are minimized ahead of polling day.

Why Now? The Political Implications

The timing of this voter list cleanup has stirred discussion in Bihar’s political circles. Both ruling and opposition parties are closely monitoring the process, given its direct implications on voter demographics.

Recent Reactions:

• RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav has raised concerns about potential manipulation of the list.

• Election strategist Prashant Kishor (PK) also questioned the transparency of the revision, demanding more public oversight.

These reactions show how politically sensitive and impactful a clean and updated voter list can be in a high-stakes state election.

Is This Linked to Early Bihar Elections in 2025?

While the Election Commission has not officially announced the date, there is growing speculation that Bihar Assembly polls may be held soon after Chhath Puja, one of the most significant festivals in the state.

In preparation, this revision exercise is seen as a pre-poll readiness initiative, ensuring that the electoral base is updated in time.

Experts believe that updated rolls can also help reduce bogus voting, increase youth participation, and enhance credibility in the democratic process.

Digital Tools Available for Voters

Apart from the physical survey, the ECI is also promoting its online platforms to facilitate voter enrollment and correction:

• Voter Helpline App (Android & iOS)

• www.nvsp.in — National Voters’ Service Portal

• Local Booth Level Officers (BLOs) for offline assistance

These digital services are part of ECI’s broader effort to modernize voter management and offer convenience to the public.

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next?

After the household survey and document collection phase is complete, the following timeline is expected:

1. Draft voter list publication

2. Objection and claim filing period

3. Final voter list release by late September or early October

This timeline would allow adequate time for campaign planning and constituency-level candidate selection for all parties ahead of the elections.

The Election Commission’s door-to-door drive in Bihar ahead of the 2025 elections is a crucial step toward strengthening democracy. As political stakes rise, citizens are urged to actively participate—check their names, submit required documents, and ensure they are ready to vote.

A clean and accurate voter list isn’t just an administrative task—it’s the foundation of free and fair elections.