Punjab's draft electoral roll for the 2027 Assembly election is being published and released by the Election Commission of India (ECI) today. The new draft list shows a significant drop in the number of voters — 20.66 lakh fewer compared to the previous count.
Punjab Voter List 2027: Why the Number of Voters Dropped
The total number of voters in the draft list has shrunk from 2.14 crore in June 2026, before the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), to 1.93 crore. According to The Tribune, the draft roll excludes 20.66 lakh voters who were found to be absent, dead, having duplicate entries, or having permanently shifted from their registered addresses.
This reduction is part of a cleaning exercise by the ECI to ensure the electoral roll is accurate and up to date. Removing duplicate entries and names of deceased or relocated voters helps prevent electoral fraud and ensures that genuine voters are not overshadowed by invalid entries.
12.80 Lakh Voters Asked to Verify Details in Punjab Electoral Roll
While the draft roll excludes many names, it also includes 12.80 lakh voters whose details could not be mapped with the electoral roll prepared after the first SIR. These voters will now have to appear before officials assigned to SIR duty at the date and time specified in the notices being issued to them from today.
According to The Tribune on X, the ECI has given these voters one month to file their claims and objections. This step is crucial because these voters' details were not properly linked to the main electoral database, and without verification, they risk being left out of the final roll.
"The draft roll will exclude 20.66 lakh voters found to be absent, dead, having duplicate entries or having permanently shifted." — The Tribune
How Voters Can Check Their Names in the Punjab Draft Roll
Voters who want to check if their names are in the draft list can do so through the official channels. The Chief Electoral Officer, Punjab website provides access to electoral roll information. Voters should verify their details and, if they find any issues, they can file claims or objections within the given timeframe.
For the 12.80 lakh voters who received notices, appearing before the assigned officials is mandatory. They must carry the necessary documents to prove their identity and address. Missing the deadline could result in their names being excluded from the final electoral roll for the 2027 Assembly election.
Our Take: Cleaner Rolls Mean Fairer Elections
In our view, this reduction in voter numbers is a positive step, even though it may seem alarming at first glance. Removing 20.66 lakh invalid entries — whether they are duplicates, deceased persons, or people who have moved away — makes the electoral system more reliable. A cleaner roll means fewer chances of impersonation and bogus voting.
However, the ECI must ensure that genuine voters are not wrongly removed. The one-month window for the 12.80 lakh voters to verify their details is a fair opportunity, but the onus is on citizens to respond promptly. If you live in Punjab, check your name in the draft roll today. If you received a notice, do not ignore it — your vote in the 2027 Assembly election depends on it.
This exercise shows that the Election Commission is serious about maintaining accurate voter data. It is now up to voters to cooperate and ensure their names are correctly registered.