The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Uttar Pradesh has uncovered significant changes in the state’s voter database, with nearly one in five electors being untraceable or ineligible during field verification. As per the draft rolls released on January 6, out of approximately 15.44 crore electors registered by October 27, 2025, around 2.89 crore, or 18.7%, are categorized as uncollectable.
The primary reason for deletions, as per the Election Commission data, is permanent migration, which constitutes over eight percent of the total electorate. Urbanization and population movements have notably impacted cities and their neighboring districts. Notably, Lucknow leads with over 30% uncollectable cases, followed by Ghaziabad at nearly 29% and Balrampur at 25.98%.
In addition, untraceable or absent electors make up slightly more than five percent statewide, while deaths account for nearly three percent of the total. Experts suggest that the gaps in timely record updates by local civil registration authorities are evident from these figures. Moreover, cases of voters already enrolled elsewhere, especially in rapidly growing urban areas, contribute significantly to discrepancies in the electoral rolls.
Parts of the Bundelkhand region, including Lalitpur, Hamirpur, and Mahoba, exhibit relatively lower levels of discrepancies, with uncollectable percentages below or close to 12%. Election officials attribute this to lower migration rates and more stable populations. It is emphasized that the figures are part of a draft exercise and not final deletions, with citizens in the uncollectable category having the opportunity to raise claims and objections during the stipulated period.
Special camps will be set up by the Election Commission to assist individuals seeking inclusion by providing necessary documentation. Intensified verification drives are also planned to ensure the integrity of electoral rolls is reinforced ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
