EC gears up for June 5 SIR rollout in Andhra Pradesh; 65% voter mapping completed

Vijayawada: The Election Commission (EC) has completed nearly 65% of electoral mapping in Andhra Pradesh ahead of the launch of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise scheduled from June 5.State chief electoral officer (CEO) Vivek Yadav said the poll machinery is fully prepared for the large-scale verification and updation of electoral rolls across the state, which will be conducted as part of SIR’s pan-India third phase.Speaking about the preparations, Yadav said booth-level officers (BLOs) and supporting staff have been appointed to ensure smooth implementation of the exercise. The EC has mobilised field-level personnel well in advance to avoid delays once the SIR exercise begins.He said voters will have to submit the duly filled prescribed forms to BLOs visiting their homes and polling station areas, using which voter details will be updated, errors rectified, and ineligible voters removed from the electoral rolls. Officials believe the exercise will help improve accuracy and transparency of the voter database for future elections.According to election authorities, the BLOs will conduct door-to-door visits and guide voters on submitting documents and making required corrections. The EC is also planning awareness campaigns to encourage maximum public participation in the exercise.Yadav said all recognised political parties in the state have been requested to appoint booth-level agents (BLAs) to coordinate with BLOs during the revision programme. BLAs play an important role in verifying voter details, raising objections, and helping ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate and updated.The CEO clarified that electoral rolls and related information will be shared with political parties strictly as per the guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India (ECI). He stressed that the entire exercise will be conducted transparently and in accordance with established procedures.Election officials said the electoral mapping undertaken so far has helped identify gaps in voter records and streamline preparations before the official commencement of SIR. The remaining mapping work will be completed during the field visits.SIR is considered a crucial exercise ahead of major elections as it enables authorities to verify voter identities, update residential details, and include new eligible voters who have attained 18 years of age. Officials expressed confidence that the coordinated efforts of BLOs, BLAs, and political parties will help ensure a smooth and error-free revision process across the state.4446086