Amid the ongoing political debate and protests in several parts of the country over electoral rolls and voter registration processes, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Jammu and Kashmir Sanjeev Verma on Tuesday announced a special initiative aimed at ensuring that every eligible citizen in the Union Territory finds a place in the voters’ list.
Under the initiative, the Election Department will conduct a two-day Special Intensive Voter Enrolment Drive on October 10 and 11 across all polling stations in Jammu and Kashmir. The campaign, officials said, is part of a broader effort to make voter registration more accessible and to ensure that no eligible voter is left out of the democratic process.
The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting chaired by Verma and attended by District Election Officers, Electoral Registration Officers and Assistant Electoral Registration Officers. The meeting focused on finalizing arrangements for the enrolment drive and strengthening grassroots-level voter outreach.
Verma directed election officials to intensify awareness campaigns and facilitate citizens seeking enrolment or corrections in electoral rolls. He stressed that the objective of the exercise is not merely to add names to the voter list but to ensure that electoral rolls remain accurate, inclusive and up to date.
As part of the initiative, all polling stations across Jammu and Kashmir will remain open from 9 am to 5 pm on both days. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) will be available to assist citizens in submitting applications for new voter registration, deletion of names, correction of particulars and transfer of entries through Forms 6, 7 and 8.
In addition to physical assistance at polling stations, election officials will also help citizens submit applications digitally through the Voter Helpline App, making the process easier and more convenient.
The CEO asked district election authorities to undertake extensive public outreach and awareness programmes, particularly targeting areas where eligible voters may still be missing from the electoral rolls. He also called for regular dissemination of information through official social media platforms so that citizens can easily locate their polling stations and access enrolment-related services.
Special emphasis, officials said, will be laid on enrolling first-time voters, youth who have recently attained the age of 18, women, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and other eligible citizens who may require assistance in completing the registration process.
Verma also directed Booth Level Officers to conduct door-to-door verification and outreach to identify eligible residents who have not yet enrolled as voters and facilitate their inclusion in the electoral rolls.
Appealing to citizens to take advantage of the special drive, the CEO urged all eligible residents to visit their nearest polling stations on October 10 and 11 and complete any pending enrolment or updation formalities.
The Election Department said the initiative marks the beginning of regular weekend voter facilitation drives across Jammu and Kashmir and reflects its commitment to making voter registration more accessible, transparent and citizen-friendly while ensuring that every eligible voter gets an opportunity to participate in the democratic process.