Introduction: A Voter’s Nightmare Before the 2027 Elections
Imagine preparing to vote in the next big election, only to find your name has simply vanished from the electoral rolls. For nearly 3 crore citizens of Uttar Pradesh, this is their sudden reality. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has published the state’s draft voter list following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise, and the numbers are staggering: a massive 2.89 crore names have been deleted, representing a huge 18.7% of the state’s total electorate .
This isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping; it’s a potential crisis for millions who now risk being disenfranchised. The good news? There’s still time to fix it. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the UP draft voter list, why names were removed, and, most importantly, how you can get your name back before it’s too late.
Table of Contents
- Why Were Nearly 3 Crore Names Deleted?
- How to Check if Your Name is in the UP Draft Voter List
- How to File a Claim or Objection to Get Your Name Back
- Critical Deadlines You Must Not Miss
- Conclusion: Don’t Sit This One Out
- Sources
Why Were Nearly 3 Crore Names Deleted?
The Election Commission’s goal is to create a clean, accurate, and authentic electoral roll. The deletions from the UP draft voter list were primarily based on three grounds, identified during the SIR drive :
- Permanent Migration (Over 1.3 Crore): Voters who have permanently moved their residence out of their original polling area and have not updated their voter ID.
- Untraceable Voters: Individuals whose current whereabouts could not be verified by Booth Level Officers (BLOs) during their field visits.
- Deceased Persons: Names of voters who have passed away and whose details were reported to the authorities.
Out of the original 15.44 crore registered voters, the draft list retains 12.55 crore names . While the intent is to purify the rolls, the sheer scale of deletions has raised concerns about potential errors and genuine voters being left out.
How to Check if Your Name is in the UP Draft Voter List
Don’t wait for someone else to tell you. It’s your democratic right and your responsibility to verify your status. Here’s how you can check:
- Online via the Electoral Search Portal: Visit the National Voters’ Services Portal (NVSP) at
electoralsearch.eci.gov.in. You can search by your EPIC (Voter ID) number, name, or other details. - Voter Helpline App: Download the official ‘Voter Helpline’ app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. It has a built-in search feature for the electoral roll.
- Physical Copy at Your Booth Level Officer (BLO): Your local BLO will have a copy of the draft roll for your polling station. You can contact them directly to inquire.
For a step-by-step visual guide, visit our dedicated resource on [INTERNAL_LINK:voter-id-services].
How to File a Claim or Objection to Get Your Name Back
If you find your name is missing from the draft list, you must file a claim. The process is straightforward and can be done both online and offline.
Filing Online
The easiest method is through the NVSP portal (www.nvsp.in). You will need to fill out Form 6 (for inclusion of name) or Form 8 (for correction of details) . The portal will guide you through uploading the necessary documents as proof of residence and identity.
Filing Offline
You can also visit your local Electoral Registration Officer’s (ERO) office. Request Form 6 and submit it along with your supporting documents. Your Booth Level Officer can also assist you with this process .
Critical Deadlines You Must Not Miss
Time is of the essence. The Election Commission has set clear, non-negotiable deadlines for this process:
- Claims and Objections Deadline: All claims to have your name included or to object to a wrongful inclusion must be submitted by February 6, 2026.
- Final Publication Date: The final, updated electoral roll for Uttar Pradesh will be officially published on March 6, 2026 .
Missing the February 6th deadline means your name will not appear on the final list, and you will not be able to vote in any future elections until you re-register, which is a much longer process.
Conclusion: Don’t Sit This One Out
The deletion of 2.89 crore names from the UP draft voter list is a historic event in India’s electoral process. While the Commission’s efforts to clean the rolls are necessary, they place a significant onus on the individual voter to protect their franchise. Don’t assume you’re on the list. Check your status today, and if you’re missing, file your claim immediately. Your vote is your voice—make sure it’s heard in 2027.
Sources
- Election Commission of India. “Uttar Pradesh SIR Draft Voter List 2026.” [[1], [3], [5]]
- Chief Electoral Officer, Uttar Pradesh. Official Statements on Draft Roll Publication. [[7], [25], [30]]
- Election Commission of India. “National Voters’ Services Portal (NVSP).” https://www.nvsp.in/
- Election Commission of India. “Important Dates for SIR 2025-26.”