The Election Commission has ordered a special drive to enrol voters who were left out during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Here is what it means for you.

SIR is a door-to-door verification of voter lists. It has been completed in 20 states and union territories, including Bihar and West Bengal. During the exercise, crores of names were deleted as duplicates, shifted or deceased voters.

If your name was removed, you are not out of options. You can apply to your Electoral Registration Officer under the continuous updation process. Booth Level Officers will now visit homes of voters who received notices, collect documents and upload them on ECINet.

You will not need to visit the ERO office in most cases. Hearings will happen only in exceptional situations, and preferably online. A family member can also appear on your behalf.

Deadlines have been extended in some states: Delhi now allows claims until October 30 and Maharashtra until October 12. Check your name on the voter list and act early if it is missing.