New Delhi, 23rd Sept 2025: There has been widespread protest from the streets to Parliament against the ongoing revision of the electoral rolls and the Standardization of Electoral Rolls (SIR) process. Allegations have been raised that the Election Commission (EC) is manipulating the process in favor of the ruling government.
Despite the controversy and the case pending in the Supreme Court, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has announced the nationwide implementation of the SIR process. The Supreme Court has warned the EC that if any flaws are found in the process, the entire SIR may be scrapped.
In response, the EC issued a clarification today, stating that most voters across the country will not be required to provide any additional documents, since their names already exist in the electoral rolls from previous SIR updates.
However, for new voters, particularly those born after 1987, the birth certificates and place of birth documents of their parents may be required during verification.
Color Photos of Candidates on EVM Ballot Papers
In a significant update to improve voter clarity, the Election Commission will now include colored photographs of candidates on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and ballot papers.
The size of the photo and the serial number of the candidate will also be increased for better visibility. This change is aimed at helping voters easily identify and read candidate names and symbols.
This initiative is set to begin with the Bihar Assembly Elections. As per existing rules, the EVM ballot paper already includes the candidate’s name, election symbol, and photo, but this update will enhance clarity further.
The update is in line with Rules from 1961, and the EC states this is part of its broader election reform initiatives.