Approximately 1.72 crore [1] electors from the 2002 electoral rolls have been self-mapped during Karnataka's ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

This process is critical for ensuring the integrity of current voting records by verifying long-term residency and eligibility through historical data. By matching current voters to rolls from over two decades ago, officials can better identify discrepancies and maintain accurate registration lists.

The SIR exercise focuses on the self-mapping of electors, allowing individuals to verify their presence in the 2002 rolls [1]. This specific effort targets the alignment of historical data with modern electoral requirements to streamline the voting process in the state.

Karnataka officials are overseeing the transition of these legacy records into the current system. The mapping process serves as a verification layer, one that helps the election commission validate the consistency of the rolls over time.

As the exercise continues, the administration aims to increase the number of self-mapped voters to ensure a more comprehensive database. The current figure of 1.72 crore [1] represents the progress made in linking these specific 2002 records to the existing electoral framework.

“1.72 crore electors from the 2002 electoral rolls have been self-mapped”

The use of 2002 electoral rolls in a 2026 revision exercise indicates a rigorous approach to auditing voter eligibility. By requiring self-mapping, the state is shifting the burden of verification to the citizen, which can reduce administrative errors but may also create barriers for those without access to historical records or digital mapping tools.