UP Sees Massive 14 Lakh Voter Registration Surge After Draft Roll Release
UP Voter Registration Surges 14 Lakh After Draft Roll

Uttar Pradesh experienced a remarkable voter registration surge exceeding 14 lakh individuals. This wave followed the publication of the special intensive revision draft roll for 2026. The state's electoral machinery processed a staggering volume of applications in a short period.

Record-Breaking Application Numbers

Between January 6 and January 17, authorities received 7.2 lakh Form-6 applications from new voters. The momentum accelerated dramatically on January 18. During a statewide special campaign, the Election Commission of India recorded an astonishing 7 lakh physical Form-6 submissions in just one day.

Officials faced significant challenges due to this overwhelming volume. They managed to upload approximately 2.15 lakh applications onto the ECINET portal by the day's end. The sheer number of submissions created logistical pressures for the election machinery.

Enthusiasm Extends to Overseas Voters

Interest in registration extended beyond domestic boundaries. After the draft period concluded, officials also processed around 1,500 Form-6A applications for overseas voter registrations. This international component added another layer to the registration drive's success.

This recent surge builds upon earlier momentum. Between November 4, 2025, and January 6, 2026, the state had already received 15.78 lakh Form-6 applications. The enumeration phase began in early November, setting the stage for this unprecedented response.

Officials Hail Public Engagement

Chief Electoral Officer Navdeep Rinwa expressed strong satisfaction with the public's response. He described the turnout as a powerful indicator of civic engagement. "This extraordinary response reflects the enthusiasm of voters and the overwhelming success of the campaign," Rinwa told reporters. His comments highlighted the campaign's effective outreach.

Active Participation at Polling Stations

Across Uttar Pradesh, voters gathered in large numbers at designated polling stations on Sunday. Booth Level Officers performed crucial duties during these sessions. They read aloud the draft electoral rolls to assembled citizens. Officers also announced names removed from the list for various reasons.

Removals occurred due to several factors including death, relocation, absenteeism, duplication, or failure to return verification slips. Election officials ensured ample availability of Forms 6, 7, 8 and declaration papers at all locations. Many voters took immediate advantage of this accessibility.

Numerous citizens cross-checked their personal details on the spot. They filed claims and objections immediately after verifying information. This proactive approach demonstrated strong public interest in electoral accuracy.

Senior Officials Monitor Drive Closely

Senior administrative figures maintained tight supervision over the registration drive. Divisional commissioners, district election officers and electoral registration officers all participated actively in monitoring efforts. Officers from the Chief Electoral Officer's office conducted inspections across multiple districts.

Navdeep Rinwa personally reviewed polling stations in Ghaziabad and Gautam Buddh Nagar. During these visits, he interacted directly with Booth Level Officers and booth-level agents. These conversations helped assess preparedness levels and training effectiveness throughout the system.

Addressing Data Discrepancies

The special intensive revision draft released on January 6 shows a total voter count of 12,55,56,025 for Uttar Pradesh. However, significant data mapping issues emerged during the process. Approximately 2.22 crore voters found themselves incorrectly mapped with the 2003 special intensive revision list. Another 1.04 crore voters could not be mapped at all.

The Election Commission is taking corrective measures for these discrepancies. Authorities are issuing notices to 3.26 crore voters across the state. These notices request submission of documents verifying electoral eligibility. The commission aims to resolve these mapping problems before finalizing the rolls.

Deadline for Corrections Approaches

Election officials have issued clear guidance to voters regarding necessary corrections. Citizens should use Forms 6, 7, or 8 to address missing names or errors in the draft roll. These forms are available through both online and offline channels. The deadline for submitting corrections falls on February 6.

This timeline allows sufficient opportunity for voters to ensure accurate representation. The ultimate goal remains creation of a clean and reliable electoral roll. Public participation in this verification process remains crucial for democratic integrity.

The massive registration surge demonstrates strong civic consciousness among Uttar Pradesh's electorate. It reflects successful campaign efforts by election authorities to engage potential voters. As the correction deadline approaches, officials anticipate continued public cooperation in finalizing accurate voter lists.