Voters Struggle With SIR Forms as Confusion Grows; “If Everything Has to Be Done Online, Why Do We Need BLOs?” Citizens Ask

BK Singh

As the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls continues, voters across Uttar Pradesh and several other states are grappling with a common question: “We received the forms, but how are we supposed to fill them?”

And what about the immense number of voters who are still waiting for the forms? Do we have to go to the election office to fetch it asks a voter.

One voter said, barring a few top officers in the district who are directly answerable to the government, the lower rungs do not seem to be bothered about every voter getting the form and filling it properly.

Block Level Officers (BLOs), who are expected to guide citizens through the process, are reportedly unable to explain the procedures themselves—triggering frustration, especially among first-time voters and rural residents.

QR Codes, Website Navigation, and Confusion on the Ground

According to the Election Commission, voters must visit ceouttarpradesh.nic.in, where three QR codes appear:

1. CEO Uttar Pradesh Website
2. SIR Portal
3. Voter Helpline App

By scanning the SIR QR code, voters can access a series of services—forms for new voter registration, deletion of names, change of constituency, NRI enrolment, and forms for Kashmiri migrant voters.

Next, voters must open the “SIR 2026” section, enter their EPIC number and captcha, and then access their personalised form along with the EC’s detailed instructions.

But for many voters, this multi-step digital process feels overwhelming and impractical.

New Voters Can Apply – But Names Will Be Added After Feb 7

Despite the freeze on the electoral roll:

• Anyone turning 18 by 1 January 2026 can apply using Form 6.
• To delete the name of a deceased family member, Form 7 is required.
• To shift constituencies, voters must submit Form 8.

Registrations will be processed now, but new names will be officially added only after the final publication on February 7, 2026.

Finding One’s BLO Still a Challenge

For voters unsure about their BLO’s identity, the EC urges scanning the Voter Helpline App QR code, installing the app, verifying through OTP, and checking the “Know Your BLO” section.

But this leads to a deeper, unsettling question:

“If every step—from downloading apps to filling forms—must be done by citizens themselves, what is the purpose of appointing BLOs?”

Many BLOs reportedly have insufficient knowledge of the updated SIR procedures, leaving voters to navigate the system on their own.

District Magistrate Concerned Over Poor Response

In Prayagraj, District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma reviewed SIR’s progress and expressed displeasure.

Though the form distribution began on 4 November, only 20,000 applications have been submitted so far.

Verma directed all departments to prioritise SIR for the next 15 days and reassured citizens that instructions and video guides are available on the EC website. He said:

“No one should worry about filling SIR forms. Form 6 submissions will be accepted, and registrations will be processed. Names will be officially added only when the list is updated. There is no restriction on registration.”

Voters React: “This Is Uttar Pradesh. Remove the Hurdles First.”

Immediately after this assurance, frustration among voters has grown more vocal.

Residents point out that the District Magistrate’s concern is justified—but the government must understand that every state has a different voter temperament.

One voter remarked:
“This is Uttar Pradesh. If a voter feels even slightly harassed or confused, he prefers staying home rather than going out to vote. Yes, voting is our duty, but then remove the hurdles from the path that leads us to the polling booth.”

Another added that the system must account for the realities of rural life, where many do not have smartphones, computers, or reliable internet access.

Instead of simplifying voting, the process seems to be pushing citizens toward cyber cafés and intermediaries, increasing cost, confusion, and dependency.

Public Questions: Why So Much Complexity?

Citizens continue to raise tough questions:

• “If BLOs themselves don’t know the procedure, why retain them?”
• “Why appoint staff who cannot guide the public?”
• “Why is exercising a fundamental right so complicated?”
• “What about rural voters without digital access?”
• SIR drive began on Nov 4, but no BLO has till now visited us in Beli Gaon and Beli Colony behind the CMO office in Prayagraj, which is hardly a km away from the election office, asks a voter.
• Prayagraj has a population of nearly 1,2 crore, but till now only 20,000 forms have been submitted. A this rate, it will take years to get every single voter to fill up the form, says another voter.

One voter summed up the sentiment:
“Red tape in this country never ends. To vote—our basic right—we still have to run from pillar to post.”

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