Procedure for voting

On each election day, polling units will open for Accreditation and Voting from 8:00am to 2.00pm. However voters already on the queue before the close of poll at 2.00pm  will be accredited and allowed to vote.

Voting Procedure

Voting at the polling unit will be as follows:

Step 1:Upon arrival at the polling unit, join the queue.

Step 2:The Polling Official will request for your Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) and check if the photograph on the PVC matches your face. Then he/she will check if your name is on the register for that polling unit.  He/she will also use the card reader to confirm the status of the PVC. After this, he/she will check your fingers to ascertain that you have not voted before.

Step 3: Satisfied that you have been duly verified, the INEC Official will tick against your details in the register.

Step 4:  After verifying your PVC, the INEC official will return it to you. Indelible ink will be applied on the cuticle of your finger as a further proof that you have voted.

Step 5: The INEC Official will stamp the back of the ballot paper and endorse his/her signature on it.

Step 6: The INEC Official will then fold the ballot paper vertically with the printed side inwards before giving it to you.

Step 7: At the polling booth, you will then stain your appropriate finger for the election with indelible ink.

Step 8:  You will use your stained thumb to mark the section provided on the ballot paper for your preferred candidate/party.

Step 9: You will fold the marked ballot paper vertically with the printed side inwards before dropping it in the ballot box.

Step 10: You will then leave the polling station.

Your right as a voter

On each Election Day, you have the right to:

Access the polling station

Receive information on the voting procedures from the poll officials

Vote in secret.

VOTER REGISTRATION

Step 1: A Nigerian citizen who is eligible to vote, goes to the INEC website to locate his Polling Unit.

Step 2: The citizen goes to the chosen Polling Unit to register

Step 3: The citizen would have his/her picture taken and his/her details captured.

Step 4: The citizen would be given a Voter ID card which makes him/her eligible to vote on election day.

ELECTION DAY:

STAGE 1:  ACCREDITATION

Step 1: Go to the Polling Unit you were registered with your voter registration card ad join the queue

Step 2:  Present your Voter registration card to the INEC official and ensure that your name is the register

Step 3: Your finger would be marked with ink to show that you have been accredited.

STAGE 2: VOTING

Step 1: Join the queue with the intention of casting your vote

Step 2: When it gets to your turn, ensure your name is ticked in the voter register

Step 3: You would be given a ballot paper listing out the political parties

Step 4: Enter the booth and select your preferred candidate

Step 5: Place your ballot paper in the ballot box

Assessment

Explain the procedures of voting.