Bengaluru, July 29 (IANS) Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukumar on Wednesday said that 76.99 per cent of the Enumeration Forms distributed as part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in the state have been digitised, while more than 84 lakh voters have been identified under the categories of absent, shifted, deceased, duplicate and others (ASDDO) during the verification process.
Addressing reporters in Bengaluru, Anbukumar said that of the total 5,54,32,314 Enumeration Forms distributed across the state, 4,26,75,861 have been digitised so far.
“Out of the 5,54,32,314 Enumeration Forms distributed in Karnataka, 4,26,75,861 forms have been digitised, accounting for 76.99 per cent progress. During the verification process, a total of 84,31,612 voters have been identified under the ASDDO category across the state,” he said.
Breaking down the ASDDO figures, the Chief Electoral Officer said 11,61,231 voters were found to be untraceable, while 51,74,968 had permanently shifted from their registered addresses.
“In addition, 14,99,799 voters have been identified as deceased, 5,62,572 were found to have duplicate voter registrations, and 33,042 have been classified under other categories,” Anbukumar said.
Explaining the ASDDO process, he said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are required to conduct spot inspections and upload supporting documents, including death certificates wherever applicable.
“When a voter is marked as absent or shifted, it means the person is not available at the address mentioned in the electoral roll. They may have relocated or could not be found during verification. If such voters have not applied for voter registration anywhere else in the country, they can submit their details online or through Form 6,” he said.
Anbukumar also appealed to the public to return their Enumeration Forms at the earliest, noting that 43,24,847 forms are yet to be submitted statewide.
“Voters should not retain the Enumeration Forms with them and should hand them over to the BLOs as soon as possible. Only after the forms are submitted will their names be included in the draft electoral roll,” he said.
He clarified that if voters are unavailable at home, family members may sign and submit the forms on their behalf. He also urged people not to withhold forms citing the absence of records dating back to 2002.
The Chief Electoral Officer said August 8, 2026, is the last date for submitting Enumeration Forms and urged all eligible citizens to complete the process before the deadline.
He further stated that individuals who will attain the age of 18 by October 1, 2026, must apply for inclusion in the electoral roll through Form 6.
Providing an update on Bengaluru, Anbukumar said the Bruhat Bengaluru Authority (BBA) limits have a total of 1,03,88,363 registered voters, of whom 39,38,202 have been identified under the ASDDO category.
“Additionally, 16,57,582 forms in Bengaluru are yet to be digitised. Officials have been instructed to share information with political parties in areas where the proportion of ASDDO voters is significantly high,” he said.
–IANS
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