Amid the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the significance of filling up Form 6 has grown by manifolds as it is the official application form used to enrol new voters as per the Registration of Electors Rules, 1960.
However, Form 6 does not require documentary proof of citizenship. Instead, it includes a self-declaration, and furnishing false claims can attract penalty or imprisonment of up to one year.
The Election Commission (EC) has clarified that the declaration is not a new requirement introduced with the nationwide SIR. It was incorporated through EC instructions in the Bihar SIR rolled out in June last year. New voters were made to file the declaration along with Form 6.
According to the EC, no amendment has been made in Form 6.
The poll body said the declaration helps in mapping electors and reduces the number of documents that new are required to submit along with their applications. If a person fills Form 6 online, he or she cannot proceed unless they complete the declaration.
The EC has also clarified that it’s not only existing voters not covered in previous SIR exercises who have to submit their parents’ SIR details to remain on the electoral rolls, but also the new applicants seeking inclusion in the voter list, the Election Commission has clarified.
Basically, Form 6 is the primary gateway for voter enrolment, combining document verification with self-declaration, while placing responsibility on the ERO for scrutiny and final inclusion in electoral rolls.
Form 6 is submitted to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) of the concerned Assembly constituency (or Parliamentary constituency in Union Territories without an Assembly).
Form 6 can be filled online via the ECINET portal or offline to the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO), typically a Sub-Divisional Magistrate or an equivalent officer. The ERO, a local official appointed by the Election Commission in consultation with the state government, is responsible for maintaining electoral rolls, accepting new voter applications, processing deletions, and conducting hearings in cases of objections.
Under Article 326 of the Constitution, only Indian citizens aged 18 or above are eligible to vote.
After a Form 6 is submitted, the Booth Level Officer (BLO) verifies the applicant’s details. The ERO then assesses whether the applicant is ordinarily resident in the constituency, above 18 years of age and an Indian citizen. If satisfied, the applicant is added to the electoral roll.