New Delhi: The Election Commission of India has now made e-sign verification mandatory for all online voter list-related services through its portal and mobile app. From now on, citizens can only apply for inclusion, deletion or correction in the electoral roll using a mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card.

This major update comes in the wake of allegations by Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi, who claimed widespread manipulation of voter rolls was occurring online.

Earlier, citizens could add, delete or update their names in the voter list by linking any phone number to their Voter ID. Due to the absence of proper verification of the linked number, mass irregularities were reported. Rahul Gandhi had specifically cited the Aland constituency in Karnataka, where over 6,000 names were allegedly removed through fraudulent methods.

In response, the Election Commission has enforced this new regulation to prevent such irregularities and strengthen transparency.

Which are the procedures?

  • To apply for inclusion in the electoral roll, one must now fill Form 6. 
  • To object to an entry or request removal, Form 7 is required.
  • To make corrections or update existing voter details, Form 8 must be submitted.

And completion of these forms and procedures will now require e-sign verification using an Aadhaar-linked mobile number, as mandated by the Election Commission of India.