New Delhi: A massive update is happening right now in India’s election system. If you have a Matdata Pehchan Patra (Voter ID Card), this news is critical for you. The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) 2026, a huge “cleanup” drive to fix voter lists across the country.
In states like Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu, the draft voter lists for 2026 have already been released in January 2026, and the numbers are shocking. For example, in Uttar Pradesh alone, nearly 2.89 crore names have been deleted from the list. These include duplicate voters, people who have shifted houses, and those who have passed away.
Why should you worry? Because sometimes, genuine names get deleted by mistake. If your name is missing from the list, your Voter ID card is just a piece of plastic—you cannot vote. The window to check and fix this is open right now (January to February 2026).
Here is a complete guide on how to check your name, download the new digital Voter ID (e-EPIC), and apply for corrections online.
What is the “SIR 2026” Update?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a strict verification process. The Election Commission wants to make the electoral roll (voter list) 100% accurate before the next big elections.
- Qualifying Date: The cut-off date is January 1, 2026. If you turned 18 on or before this date, you are eligible to become a voter.
- The “Cleanup”: Booth Level Officers (BLOs) have visited millions of homes to verify if voters actually live there. Based on this, lists have been updated.
- Current Status: The Draft Electoral Roll has been published. This is a “rough draft.” You have a chance to check it and file complaints (Claims and Objections) until early February 2026.
Why Were Names Deleted?
You might wonder why so many names were removed. The ECI found three main problems:
- Shifted Voters: People who moved to a new city but didn’t transfer their vote.
- Dead Voters: Names of deceased citizens that were never removed.
- Duplicate Entries: Some people had two Voter IDs or their name appeared in two different places.
Warning: If you have shifted your house recently and didn’t update your Voter ID, your name might be on the “Deleted” or “ASD” (Absent, Shifted, Dead) list.
How to Check Your Name in the 2026 Voter List
You do not need to visit a government office. You can check your status in 2 minutes using your mobile phone.
Method 1: Using the Official Website
- Visit the Voters’ Service Portal at
voters.eci.gov.in. - Look for the tab that says “Search in Electoral Roll”.
- You can search in three ways:
- Search by EPIC: Enter your Voter ID card number (e.g., ABC1234567).
- Search by Details: Enter your Name, Father’s Name, Age, and State.
- Search by Mobile: Enter your registered mobile number and OTP.
- If your record appears, check the “Polling Station” details. If it says “No Record Found,” your name might have been deleted.
Method 2: Using the Voter Helpline App
- Download the Voter Helpline App (by ECI) from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Skip login and click on “Search Your Name in Electoral Roll”.
- Scan the barcode on your Voter ID or type in your details.
My Name is Missing! What Should I Do?
If you cannot find your name, do not panic. The “Claims and Objections” window is open till February 6, 2026 (dates may vary slightly by state). You need to take action immediately.
- For New Voters / Missing Names: Fill Form 6. This is for “New Registration.” Even if you had a card before but your name is deleted, you often have to fill this form again as a fresh applicant.
- For Corrections: If your name is there but the spelling is wrong, or the photo is old, fill Form 8.
- For Deletion: If you find a fake name or a deceased relative’s name in the list, you can request its removal using Form 7.
How to Download Digital Voter ID (e-EPIC)
The ECI now allows you to keep a digital version of your Matdata Pehchan Patra on your phone. This is called e-EPIC (Electronic Electoral Photo Identity Card). It is valid proof of identity, just like the physical card.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download e-EPIC:
- Register: Go to
voters.eci.gov.inand create an account using your mobile number. - Login: Enter your mobile number, password, and the OTP sent to you.
- Click: Select the green tab that says “E-EPIC Download”.
- Enter Number: Type your EPIC (Voter ID) Number.
- OTP Verification: The system will send an OTP to your registered mobile number.
- Note: If your mobile number is not linked, you must first fill Form 8 to link your phone number.
- Download: Once verified, a PDF file will download. This is your official digital Voter ID. You can print it or save it in DigiLocker.
Important Deadlines for 2026
- Draft Roll Publication: Released in Jan 2026.
- Last Date for Objections: First week of February 2026 (Check your state CEO website for exact dates).
- Final Voter List: Expected to be published by March 6, 2026.
Tips for First-Time Voters (Age 18+)
If you were born on or before January 1, 2008, you are now eligible to vote.
- You don’t need to wait for an election to apply.
- Go to the portal, fill Form 6, and upload a passport-size photo, age proof (Birth Certificate/Aadhaar), and address proof.
- A Booth Level Officer (BLO) will visit your house for verification, and your card will be sent by post.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: My Voter ID card is very old. Is it still valid in 2026?
Yes, old Voter ID cards are valid as long as your name is present in the current 2026 Electoral Roll. The physical card is just a proof; the real entry is in the list. Always check your name online to be sure.
Q2: Can I vote if I have the card but my name is not in the list?
No. If your name is deleted from the list, you cannot vote, even if you are holding the physical ID card. That is why checking the list during the SIR 2026 revision is mandatory.
Q3: How can I link my Mobile Number with Voter ID?
You need to fill Form 8 online on the voters.eci.gov.in portal. Select the option “Correction of Entries” and then tick “Mobile Number.” Once linked, you can download your e-EPIC.
Q4: What is the “ASD List”?
ASD stands for Absent, Shifted, Dead. If officials visited your home and didn’t find you, your name might be put on this list. Voters on the ASD list face stricter checks at the polling station or might be deleted entirely.
Q5: Is the e-EPIC (PDF) valid for address proof?
Yes, the e-EPIC downloaded from the official ECI website is a valid document for identity and address proof for opening bank accounts, getting SIM cards, etc.