Kerala voter list revision: Special registration drive starts on 15 October

Kerala is launching a statewide special enrolment drive on 15 October to update its voter list and register new voters ahead of upcoming elections.

The fortnight-long campaign, which runs until 31 October, aims to streamline the registration process and resolve discrepancies in the electoral roll, Chief Electoral Officer D. Sajith Babu announced on Thursday. Instructions have already been issued to all District Collectors to prepare for the rollout across the state's districts.

How to register for the Kerala voter list

To get onto the voter list, residents must submit Form 6. During the drive, physical forms will be distributed at local village offices, where digital help desks are also being set up to assist applicants who might need help navigating the process.

For those who prefer to register from home, applications can be submitted online through the official Citizen Service Portal or via the Voter Helpline mobile application.

Applicants must provide an approved identity document that shows their photograph, age, and address. However, the election office has clarified that anyone using Aadhaar as proof of identity must submit an additional supporting document to complete their registration.

Verifications and house visits

Once the applications are in, the election commission will start verifying the details. Booth-level officers will visit homes within their designated polling station areas to cross-check the information provided by applicants.

Electoral registration officers have also been tasked with auditing the electoral roll. They will be looking closely at the major differences between the voter list in effect on 1 January 2025 and the updated list published after the state Assembly elections to spot any unusual gaps or discrepancies.

Additionally, officials will review applications that were held up or not returned during the previous Special Intensive Revision, ensuring that eligible voters who were left off the post-election registry are finally included.

Targetting young voters

To boost participation among young people, the state is taking the registration drive directly to students. A specialised campaign called "Campus to Booth" will target colleges and higher secondary schools across Kerala, making it easier for first-time voters to sign up where they study.