Tamil Nadu Electoral Roll Revision Sees 9.7 Million Names Removed

CHENNAI: A significant revision of the electoral rolls in Tamil Nadu has led to the removal of over 9.7 million names, representing a 15.2% decrease from the previous total of 64.1 million voters. This alteration was part of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise conducted by the District Election Officers (DEOs) across all 38 districts in the state.

The enumeration phase of the SIR concluded on December 14, and the official figures were released on December 19. According to Chief Electoral Officer Archana Patnaik, the reduction in the electoral roll size now stands at approximately 54 million voters.

Chennai has recorded the most significant decrease among the districts, with 35.6% of its voters, translating to about 1.425 million names, being dropped from the rolls. The remaining figures from the 2025 electoral roll, which previously included 4 million voters, now reflect a stark decline.

The reasons for the deletions are varied. Out of the total names removed, roughly 5.3 million (54%) were categorised as having shifted residences, 2.7 million (28%) were marked as deceased, 1.36 million (14%) were untraceable, approximately 398,000 (4%) were duplicates, and about 16,400 (0.2%) were removed for other reasons. Notably, other districts such as Chengalpattu, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, and Kancheepuram also experienced significant voter deletions.

In Chennai, five of the 16 assembly constituencies reported over a 40% decrease in registered voters. The Anna Nagar assembly constituency faced the most substantial drop, with 42.2% fewer names compared to the earlier rolls. Other constituencies such as Villivakkam, Thousand Lights, T Nagar, and Velachery also experienced similar declines, with deletions attributed to factors including the relocation of voters, deaths, and issues related to identification.

As the city grapples with these substantial changes, Kumaragurubaran, the District Election Officer, indicated that there is an expectation of approximately 8 to 10 lakh new voters being added to the electoral rolls through applications submitted via Form 6, which allows individuals to apply for inclusion. The deadline for submitting these applications is January 18, 2026.

Kumaragurubaran noted, "Voters must be vigilant and ensure their names are on the rolls. Re-enrolment is essential for those whose names have been deleted." The final electoral roll is set to be published on February 17, 2026.

The deletions have prompted discussions about the challenges faced in voter registration. Critics, including members of political parties, have raised concerns about the process and the implications for representation. D Jayakumar, a former minister from the AIADMK party, stated that the Greater Chennai Corporation should establish more assistance booths to facilitate the registration process for voters.

In contrast, K Chandru of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) questioned the rationale behind the large-scale deletions, emphasising the need for transparency and clarity from the electoral authorities.

The situation has led to a broader conversation about the importance of accurate voter registration and the potential impact on upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu.

As efforts continue to assist voters in navigating the registration process, officials are urging residents to ensure their participation in the electoral system ahead of the next election cycle.