SEC to being house-to-house survey after releasing draft voter list for GBA polls

BENGALURU: The State Election Commission (SEC) has released the draft voter list for the Greater Bengaluru Area (GBA) and has initiated the electoral process for the upcoming elections to the civic bodies. The commission has already published the draft voter list, and objections can be filed until February 3.

As part of the process, the State Election Commission conducted a house-to-house verification in Bengaluru. During this verification, electoral officials will visit houses to review and update voter information. Voters are requested to keep their documents, including voter ID cards and address proofs, ready for verification.

The verification process aims to ensure the accuracy of voter data and identify any discrepancies. Residents can also use this opportunity to make corrections to their voter information if needed. With approximately 88 lakh voters in Bengaluru, the commission is undertaking a thorough review of the electoral rolls.

The commission is also cracking down on fake voters and those who are voting in multiple locations. There have been complaints of people voting in one location while residing in another, and the commission is taking steps to address this issue.

The cabinet will send its recommendations to the State Election Commission soon.

The house-to-house verification process will continue until February 3, during which time voters can also file objections or apply for new voter registrations. The commission is working to ensure the integrity of the electoral process, and residents are encouraged to cooperate with officials during the verification process.

State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi.

State Election Commissioner G S Sangreshi spoke to Public TV on ballot paper voting and said major political parties have made their representations on the issue. “The GBA Act says that the civic body elections will be conducted through ballot paper. The Act was passed in both Houses and approved by the governor”.

He denied that the State Election Commission is acting the behest of the state government. “In 2004 itself, Lal Krishna Advani had proposed going back to paper ballot when the Congress at the Centre introduced electronic voting machines (EVMs)”, he said.