Voter Numbers Decline in Key Indian States Ahead of Assembly Elections

Recent data indicates a significant decline in voter registration across five Indian states—Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur—following the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list. The total electorate has decreased by approximately 12.2%, with Uttar Pradesh experiencing the most substantial drop. As these states prepare for assembly elections early next year, the ongoing revision aims to include previously excluded voters, particularly young individuals turning 18 by January 1. This article explores the implications of these changes and the upcoming electoral landscape.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 2, 2026, 16:56 IST

Significant Drop in Voter Registration

New Delhi: Recent data reveals a notable decrease in the number of voters in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, Punjab, and Manipur, with reductions reaching as high as 13.24% following the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list.

These five states are gearing up for assembly elections scheduled for early next year.

According to information released by the Election Commission and state electoral officials, the total electorate in these states dropped from approximately 18.71 crore to 16.43 crore after the SIR, marking a decrease of around 2.29 crore, or about 12.2%.

Uttar Pradesh, which boasts the largest electorate, accounted for nearly 90% of this decline.

In Uttar Pradesh, during the second phase of SIR, the number of electors fell from 15.44 crore before SIR to 12.56 crore in the draft roll, and then to 13.40 crore in the final rolls.

This resulted in a net loss of approximately 2.04 crore voters, translating to a 13.24% drop, the highest among the five states.

The draft roll eliminated around 2.89 crore names, with about 0.84 crore (approximately 29%) being reinstated.

In Punjab, where SIR occurred in the third phase, the electorate decreased from 2.15 crore to 1.94 crore in the draft, before recovering to 2.01 crore in the final rolls. The net loss here was about 0.14 crore, or 6.34%, with the most significant recovery rate, as around 0.07 crore of the roughly 0.21 crore draft deletions (about 34%) were restored.

Uttarakhand, also undergoing SIR in phase III, saw its electorate drop from 0.80 crore to 0.71 crore, finally settling at 0.72 crore, resulting in a net loss of about 0.08 crore or 10.07%. Only about 0.0025 crore returned, which is around three percent of the draft deletions.

In Manipur, where SIR was conducted in phase III, the number of electors fell from 0.209 crore to 0.193 crore, concluding at 0.196 crore, with a net loss of about 0.013 crore or 6.33%, similar to Punjab, with about 17% of draft deletions restored.

Goa, where SIR was held in phase II, experienced a decline from 0.1185 crore to 0.1085 crore, and further to 0.1058 crore, resulting in a net loss of nearly 0.013 crore or 10.76%. Notably, Goa is the only state among the five where the final roll is smaller than the draft, indicating no net restoration.

The Election Commission has indicated that assembly elections in these five states could take place "early next year" as part of a special summary revision across 17 states.

This ongoing revision aims to provide an opportunity for voters who were previously excluded to register.

Young individuals who turn 18 on or before January 1 will also have the chance to register and participate in the elections in these states.

The term for the 403-member Uttar Pradesh assembly concludes on May 22 next year, while the terms for the 60-member Manipur, 40-member Goa, 117-member Punjab, and 70-member Uttarakhand assemblies will end at various dates in March 2027.

The Representation of the People Act, 1950, permits the Election Commission to conduct elections "earlier than six months before the term expires."