Different instructions from BLOs leave Karnataka voters confused as SIR begins

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, July 4, 2026: Confusion has gripped voters across Karnataka as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls entered its first phase, with Booth Level Officers (BLOs) reportedly issuing differing instructions on how to fill out the enumeration forms.

The SIR exercise began on June 30 and will continue throughout July, with the draft electoral roll scheduled to be published on August 5.

According to reports, voters who are required to link themselves as ’progeny’ and those whose names do not appear in the 2002 electoral rolls have received inconsistent guidance from BLOs.

One of the major points of confusion concerns the ’Name’ section of the enumeration form. While some BLOs have instructed voters to write their own names, others have asked them to enter the name of the parent or relative with whom they are establishing the linkage.

A report by The Hindu also highlighted concerns over incorrect spellings in the pre-filled enumeration forms. Here too, voters reportedly received conflicting instructions. Some BLOs advised them to retain the spelling exactly as it appears in the 2002 electoral rolls, while others suggested correcting the errors, despite being unsure of how such corrections would be reflected in the pre-filled forms.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Electoral Officer V. Anbukkumar directed officials to ensure that all BLOs visit voters’ homes to distribute enumeration forms in accordance with the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.

The directive followed complaints that some BLOs were distributing forms from their offices or other designated locations instead of conducting door-to-door visits.

In a letter to all district election officers, Anbukkumar stated that although the distribution of enumeration forms began on June 30 as per the ECI’s schedule, complaints had been received regarding non-compliance with the prescribed house-to-house distribution process.

He instructed district officials to ensure strict adherence to the Election Commission’s guidelines throughout the SIR exercise.

The Chief Electoral Officer also said that voters facing difficulties in filling out the forms can seek assistance at Voter Facilitation Centres, and directed officials to widely publicise the availability of this service.