Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has urged all voters in the state to participate in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and complete the registration process to safeguard their voting rights.
He said Booth Level Officers (BLOs) appointed by the Election Commission will visit households up to three times before July 29 to collect enumeration forms. Voters must submit the form along with the required documents and a recent photograph. Failure to do so could result in the loss of voting rights. The draft electoral roll will be published on August 5, and Booth Level Agents (BLAs) appointed by political parties will also assist in the process.
Addressing reporters, Shivakumar said voters can use any of 11 approved documents, including the EPIC card number, birth certificate, passport, caste certificate, forest rights certificate, government housing documents and pension records.
He noted that the state has already issued caste certificates to over 5.5 crore people, which can be downloaded online. Citizens who have linked their mobile numbers can also access these certificates through WhatsApp.
To make the process easier, the Revenue Department has authorized Deputy Tahsildars to issue permanent residence certificates. Around 49,320 help centres are being established across gram panchayats and urban wards to assist citizens.
The Chief Minister also said that newly eligible voters who have turned 18 can apply for voter registration by submitting Form 6 along with proof of age. He appealed to all eligible citizens to complete the process within the stipulated time.
