In a significant update to Tamil Nadu's voter database, a massive 97 lakh (9.7 million) names have been deleted from the draft electoral rolls following a Special Intensive Revision of Applications (SIRA). The draft list, published on 19 December 2025, reveals a notable demographic trend: women continue to outnumber men among the state's electorate.
Key Figures from the Draft Electoral Roll
The freshly compiled draft rolls present a detailed picture of Tamil Nadu's voting population. According to the data, the state has 2.66 crore (26.6 million) male voters registered. In contrast, the number of women voters is higher, standing at 2.77 crore (27.7 million). Furthermore, the list includes 7,191 voters registered under the third gender category.
This gender gap, with women surpassing men by approximately 11 lakh voters, is a continuing pattern observed in previous electoral revisions in the state. The substantial deletion of 97 lakh names underscores the rigorous cleanup process undertaken by election officials to remove duplicates, deceased voters, and those who have relocated.
The Impact of Special Intensive Revision (SIRA)
The Special Intensive Revision of Applications is a focused drive conducted by the Election Commission to purify and update the voter lists. The removal of nearly one crore names highlights the scale of inaccuracies that had accumulated in the previous rolls. This exercise is critical for ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, preventing potential malpractices, and providing a fair and accurate foundation for future elections.
Officials have emphasized that this is a draft list, and citizens have a window to check their enrollment status. Individuals whose names have been mistakenly deleted or those who need to make corrections can file claims and objections during the stipulated period.
Next Steps and Voter Awareness
The publication of the draft roll is not the final step. The Election Commission will now initiate a public awareness campaign urging voters to verify their details. The process of including new eligible voters and addressing discrepancies from the draft list will follow. The final electoral roll will be published after considering all valid applications and objections.
This meticulous revision is a cornerstone of democratic preparedness. With women constituting a larger share of the electorate, political parties in Tamil Nadu will likely tailor their outreach and policies to address this influential voter base. The updated, cleaner rolls aim to bolster public confidence in the electoral system's fairness and accuracy.
