2 hrs ago
Karnataka Eases SIR Rules for Vulnerable and Overseas Voters
Karnataka is checking and updating its voter lists through a process called the Special Intensive Revision, or SIR.
Some voters may find it difficult to visit election offices themselves.
These voters include elderly people, people with disabilities, sick people and overseas voters.
Now, an adult family member can go to the election office for them.
The family member can provide documents and information requested in an official notice.
Election officers must explain these rules during weekly meetings with political parties.
The instructions have been sent to election officials across Karnataka.
The goal is to make it easier for eligible voters to respond and remain on the voter list.
Adult family members may represent elderly, disabled, sick and overseas electors before election officials.
Representatives can submit documents and information responding to notices issued during the SIR process.
The directive was issued by Karnataka’s Chief Electoral Officer’s office following an Election Commission of India letter dated May 14.
Election officials must explain notice procedures during weekly meetings with political parties.
The measure applies across Karnataka’s 224 Assembly constituencies and is intended to improve access for vulnerable voters.
- Who
- Karnataka election officials, vulnerable electors and their adult family members.
- What
- Adult family members have been allowed to represent certain electors in responding to SIR-related notices.
- Where
- Across Karnataka, including Bengaluru and the state’s 224 Assembly constituencies.
- When
- The memorandum was issued on Friday during the ongoing SIR exercise; it refers to an Election Commission of India letter dated May 14.
- Why
- To make voter-list verification and notice procedures more accessible for people who may struggle to appear personally.
Key facts
- Affected electors
- Senior citizens, persons with disabilities, sick persons and overseas electors
- Authorized representatives
- Any adult family member may appear on an elector’s behalf
- Permitted submissions
- Required documents and information for disposing of notices
- Issuing office
- Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer’s office
- Related authority
- Election Commission of India
- Geographic scope
- Karnataka’s 224 Assembly constituencies
- Additional communication
- Officials must explain notice procedures during weekly political-party meetings










