Lucknow : In a move aimed at enhancing the accuracy of the electoral rolls and making the voting process more seamless for citizens, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched three significant initiatives. These reforms were introduced following directions from Chief Election Commissioner Shri Gyanesh Kumar, during the Chief Electoral Officers’ Conference held in March 2025. Election Commissioners Dr. Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Dr. Vivek Joshi were also present at the event. According to Shri Chandrashekhar, Additional Chief Electoral Officer of Uttar Pradesh, the three new measures are:
1. Use of Death Registration Data to Update Electoral Rolls
The ECI has decided to provide electronic access to death registration data from the Registrar General of India to Electoral Registration Officers (EROs). This will be implemented under Rule 9 of the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, and Section 3(5)(b) of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969 (Amended 2023).
This measure will enable timely removal of names of deceased individuals from the voter list. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be able to verify such cases in the field and complete the deletion process without waiting for formal requests, significantly improving roll purity.
2. Redesigned Voter Information Slips (VIS)
The Commission has also announced improvements in the design of Voter Information Slips. The serial number and part number of voters will now be printed in a larger font size, making it easier for voters to locate their names in the electoral roll and find their polling booths swiftly.
This initiative is expected to reduce confusion on polling day and speed up the voting process.
3. Standardised Photo ID Cards for Booth Level Officers (BLOs)
To build trust and ensure effective communication between voters and BLOs, the ECI will now issue standardised photo identity cards to all BLOs appointed under Section 13B(2) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
This will help citizens easily identify legitimate BLOs during door-to-door visits and encourage smoother interactions and information exchange.
These initiatives underscore the Commission’s commitment to transparency, voter convenience, and efficiency in electoral administration. By leveraging technology and improving field-level engagement, the ECI aims to strengthen the foundations of free and fair elections in India.
