EC Embraces E-Enlistment, Ends Exhaustive Door-to-Door Drive for Voter Registration

The Election Commission (EC) plans to phase out the traditional door-to-door voter updating process and accelerate online voter registration initiatives.

Election Commissioner Brigadier General (Retd.) Abul Fazal Md. Sanaullah disclosed this plan during a dialogue held ahead of the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election.

According to the Election Commissioner, voter registration remains open throughout the year, enabling anyone turning 18 at any time to register as a voter. “Voter registration is active 365 days a year. Anyone who turns 18 can become a voter at any time. The only reason they need to visit the election office is to provide biometric data. Updating the voter list does not necessarily require going door to door,” he explained.

Highlighting the challenges of conducting door-to-door updates, he said, “In many areas, our staff are not allowed to enter houses. In multi-storey buildings, residents send information from below without direct interaction. We face such limitations, and even after multiple announcements through loudspeakers, we cannot reach many of the working-class people as they are often away. Therefore, I believe the current provision—online registration—should remain in place. Anyone can register as a voter at any time. What we need is awareness so that people know how to do it.”

In response to a question, the Election Commissioner said, “Earlier, the Chittagong Hill Tracts were beyond mobile network coverage. Now, coverage is available. People can go to any place with mobile network access and complete their registration. Besides, many computer shops that provide online services can also help with the process. The government is also trying to introduce a one-stop service system under a single umbrella. Our election offices already provide this service, and if it can be extended to union council offices, the process will become even easier.”