18% of Maharashtra, Karnataka voters face roll exclusion risk

Over 1.80 crore voters in Maharashtra and 1.08 crore in Karnataka risk being removed from the electoral roll if they fail to submit their enumeration forms by August 17. The deadline closes the special intensive revision (SIR) process across both states. In Maharashtra, the chief electoral officer said 18.44% of the electorate, mostly in Mumbai, Thane, Raigad and Palghar, have not submitted forms to Booth Level Officers. The New Indian Express reports that those who miss the cut-off may be excluded entirely.

The Times of India reports that Karnataka has flagged 19.5% of its 5.5 crore voters under the ASDDO tag, absent, shifted, dead, duplicate and others. Election Commission officials said genuine residents can still file Form 6, which accepts any document as proof of residence and birth. The state government has issued 66,702 permanent residence certificates (PRC) as a fallback option, though the exact documents required will be clarified after August 17 when discrepancies are flagged.

Both states will publish draft voter lists on August 24, followed by a one-month window for inclusion, deletion and correction of names. Officials urge voters to check their status immediately to avoid last-minute paperwork.