ECI Launches Special Drive to Enrol Left-Out, First-Time Voters in Tamil Nadu

The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced on [date] that it will conduct a special drive in Tamil Nadu to enrol left-out and first-time eligible electors. The drive will utilise the Declaration Form attached with Form 6, which is to be used exclusively during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) phase. This move aims to include citizens who were previously missed or are newly eligible to vote.

The SIR phase is part of the ECI's efforts to clean up electoral rolls and ensure accuracy. The Declaration Form with Form 6 is a specific provision allowing eligible individuals to register during this period. The ECI has not specified the exact dates for the drive, but it is expected to commence soon across all districts in Tamil Nadu. Officials emphasised that the drive is non-partisan and aimed at strengthening democracy.

This special drive is significant as it addresses concerns about voter exclusion during the SIR process. Political parties and civil society groups have welcomed the move, urging widespread awareness campaigns. The ECI's next steps include coordinating with local election officials to set up enrolment camps and ensuring the process is accessible to all, particularly in rural and remote areas. The success of this drive could serve as a model for other states undergoing similar revisions.