India, Oct. 15 -- Behind the political battles and growing questions over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of India's electoral rolls are thousands of people working largely out of sight. They weave through narrow lanes, knock on doors, verify identities and chase missing details, often working against the clock to ensure that no name is wrongly left out. These are the foot soldiers of a vast democratic exercise - the people on whose work the right to vote ultimately depends.

"We have forfeited our summer vacation and will also work through the Diwali season. Although it sometimes feels like an almost impossible assignment, it is our national duty to conduct the SIR. That's what keeps us going," says Naresh Kumar, a teacher from Kand...