Karnataka voter list errors: SIR flags spark complaints

BENGALURU: A glitch in the electoral roll correction process has left several voters across Karnataka in a lurch, with their names wrongly marked as 'shifted'. The error, stemming from the Systemic Issue Resolution (SIR) mechanism, has triggered a wave of complaints from citizens who say they have not moved residence but are being treated as absentees.

What is the SIR process?

The SIR mechanism is designed to identify and rectify discrepancies in voter lists, including cases where individuals have relocated. However, in recent weeks, it appears to have misfired, flagging voters who continue to reside at their registered addresses. Affected individuals have reported receiving notices or finding their names struck off in local booth lists, creating confusion ahead of upcoming elections.

In several instances, voters only discovered the problem when they attempted to verify their enrolment online or visited polling stations for routine checks. The error has particularly impacted those who have not updated their addresses in years, as the system apparently misinterpreted their status.

Complaints pile up across districts

Complaints have surfaced from multiple districts, including Bengaluru, Mysuru, and Belagavi. Voters have taken to social media and approached local election offices, demanding immediate correction. Many say the error has caused unnecessary stress, with some fearing they might lose their voting rights if the issue is not resolved before polling day.

One affected voter in Bengaluru told TIVRA News that they were shocked to see their name flagged as 'shifted' despite living in the same house for over a decade. "I haven't moved, but the system says otherwise. It feels like a clerical mistake that could disenfranchise me," they said.

Officials respond, urge verification

Karnataka's chief electoral officer's office has acknowledged the issue, stating that the SIR process may have generated false positives due to data mismatches. Officials have assured that affected voters can file objections or submit Form 8 to correct their entries. They have also advised citizens to check their names on the National Voter Services Portal and report any discrepancies immediately.

"We are aware of the complaints and are working to resolve them on a priority basis," a senior election official said, adding that booth-level officers have been instructed to assist voters in rectifying errors. However, officials have not yet confirmed the total number of affected voters or the root cause of the glitch.

Election watchdogs have called for a thorough audit of the SIR process to prevent such errors from recurring. They argue that systemic flaws in voter list maintenance undermine public trust, particularly when elections are imminent.

What happens next?

The state election machinery is expected to issue a detailed clarification and a timeline for resolving the errors in the coming days. Meanwhile, voters are being urged to proactively verify their enrolment status and approach authorities if their names are missing or wrongly flagged. The episode underscores the need for robust checks in electoral databases, as any lapse could affect voter turnout and confidence.