Assam Begins Special Voter List Revision, D-Voters to Remain Unchanged
Assam has begun a special summary revision of its electoral rolls ahead of the 2026 Assembly Elections , introducing procedural changes while keeping the status of doubtful voters (D-voters) unchanged. Unlike the intensive revision being conducted in other states, Assam’s exercise is more streamlined and tailored to its unique citizenship-verification framework.
How the Special Revision Will Operate
Starting 22 November 2025 , booth-level officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door verification using pre-filled electoral registers listing existing electors. This differs from the traditional method involving blank forms. BLOs will verify residents, identify cases of shifting, duplication or death, and help citizens submit inclusion, deletion or correction requests through standard forms carried during the field visits.
No Verification for D-Voters
The Election Commission has clarified that D-voters will not be verified during this revision. Their entries—marked with a “D”—will appear unchanged in the draft rolls. Any removal of the tag, or confirmation of citizenship, can only occur through orders issued by a Foreigners Tribunal or a court , keeping administrative officials from altering their status during the revision.
Origin of the D-Voter Category
The category emerged from the Assam Accord (1985) , which declared 24 March 1971 as the cut-off date for identifying illegal migrants. In 1997, names of individuals whose citizenship was doubtful were marked as “D”. These persons must prove citizenship before tribunals using legacy documents. Assam currently has nearly one lakh such voters.
Exam Oriented Facts
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D-voters = individuals whose citizenship is under tribunal verification.
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“D” marking can be changed only by tribunal/court order.
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Special revision uses pre-filled registers ; starts 22 Nov 2025.
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Final electoral roll publication date: 10 February 2026 .
Month: Current Affairs - November 18, 2025
Category: Electoral Process & Election Laws