Maharashtra proposes Form 6 changes to streamline voter re-enrolment
The state election authority has submitted a proposal to help deleted electors re-apply without declaring themselves first-time voters.
Maharashtra seeks Form 6 modification for re-enrolment
Maharashtra's Chief Electoral Officer has submitted a proposal to the Election Commission of India to modify voter enrolment Form 6, enabling citizens whose names were removed during electoral roll revisions to re-register without declaring that they are first-time electors.
The initiative comes during the ongoing electoral revision exercise across the state, where voters excluded from draft lists have been directed to use Form 6 to seek re-inclusion. Under existing rules, Form 6 requires applicants to state they are registering for the first time, exposing previously registered voters to potential legal prosecution under Section 31 of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, which penalises false declarations with up to one year in prison or a fine.
To resolve this hurdle and ensure seamless democratic participation, the state election administration has suggested concrete administrative updates to adapt the form for re-enrolment.
Proposed modifications to voter Form 6
The state electoral office has outlined three targeted changes to distinguish new voter applications from re-enrolment requests while preserving rigorous verification standards.
| Feature | Current Form 6 | Proposed Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Form Title | Mandates "New Voters" label | Removes "New Voters" from title |
| Applicant Declaration | Requires declaring first-time voter status | Adds declaration for previously enrolled voters |
| Past Voter Verification | No provision for former voter ID | Allows entry of previous EPIC number |
Allowing applicants to supply their earlier Elector Photo Identity Card (EPIC) numbers will enable booth-level officers and electoral registration officers to cross-verify past registrations rapidly, ensuring accurate voter lists across constituencies.
Next steps and administrative procedure
Implementing the proposed adjustments will require formal statutory amendments to the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960, by the Union government. Meanwhile, Maharashtra's claims-and-objections window remains open until 26 October, with the publication of the final electoral roll scheduled for 16 November.
The issue is also under review before a three-judge bench of the Supreme Court, which is examining online voter registration procedures and re-enrolment mechanisms, with further hearings scheduled for 28 October.
Key numbers
| What | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum penalty under Section 31 of Representation of the People Act | One year imprisonment, fine, or both | Representation of the People Act, 1950 |
| Maharashtra claims and objections deadline | 26 October | Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer |
| Publication date of final electoral roll | 16 November | Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer |
In this story
| Name | Role in the story |
|---|---|
| Election Commission of India | Received the proposal to modify Form 6. |
| Maharashtra Chief Electoral Officer | Proposed amendments to Form 6 to facilitate voter re-enrolment. |
