The Election Commission has clarified that voters flagged as “no mapping” or having “logical discrepancies” during the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls will not ordinarily have to appear for physical hearings.

Under the revised procedure, Booth Level Officers will visit the homes of affected voters, collect the required documents and upload them to the ECINet platform for the Electoral Registration Officer’s consideration. Hearings will be held only in exceptional cases and, wherever possible, online.

If a hearing is considered necessary, the voter may authorise any adult family member to appear on their behalf. The Commission has also directed district election officers to set up help desks and special camps for people in night shelters, labourers, economically weaker sections and homeless people.

The Commission said the Special Intensive Revision has been completed in 20 states and Union Territories. People left out, including first-time voters, can seek inclusion through the continuous updation process, with a special enrolment drive ordered.

Timelines were extended in two states. In Delhi, claims and objections can be filed until October 30, with disposal by November 30. In Maharashtra, the filing deadline moved to October 12, with disposal by November 10.