Polls open at 8:00 am to begin accreditation. In order to vote you must be in line before accreditation closes at 1:00 pm, but be early just in case. After accreditation INEC advises you to stay within the polling area to wait for voting to begin; if you leave, you must return before voters queue for voting, which should be at 1:30 pm , by 2pm you cannot join the queue.
STEPS TO VOTING
STEP 1
Polling units shall be open for accreditation and voting at 8:00 am. For the accreditation process your Permanent Voters Card, will be read using a card reader.
STEP 2
You will then be asked to authenticate your identity and asked to place your fingers on a machine which will authenticate your fingerprint. Once fingerprint is authenticated, your name will be looked up on the register of voters
STEP 3
After accreditation, the Presiding Officer shall offer you a pre-folded ballot paper, (stamped, signed and endorsed with date) and you will be given ink to stain your voting finger with.
STEP 4
You will be asked to remove your cellphone or cameras before proceeding to the voting cubicle
STEP 5
You will be showed the voting cubicle in which to mark the candidate of your choice on the provided ballot paper
STEP 6
After marking the ballot paper, you will deposit the ballot paper in the appropriate ballot box , the box shall be placed not more than two meters away from the voting cubicle
STEP 7
After casting your ballot, you are free to remain within the vicinity of the Polling Unit to witness the sorting and counting of votes and the announcement of results.
STEP 8
Accreditation and voting will continue as long as there are people left to vote.
Do
- Wear comfortable clothing, you might be standing in line for a long time
- Carry along some water/snacks
- Bring along a hand fan
- Encourage your friends and neighbors to go as a group so you have people to socialise with
- Be courteous to NYSC members, INEC staff and polling unit observers
Do Not
- Campaign for votes, or persuade a voter not to vote for a candidate at the polling Unit
- Shout slogans concerning the election, or in support of any party
- Be in possession of an offensive weapon or wear any apparel calculated to intimidate voters
- Use a vehicle bearing the color or symbol of a political party or candidate
- Attempt to tamper with election day material
Do your part to get out the vote!
Voter turnout in Nigeria has been dropping since 2003. You can reverse this trend! Convince at least 3 of your family or friends to come out and vote, and then join the vote squad campaign. It’s easy and fun. After the polls, register your team at the http://www.si4dev.org/votesquad/. Follow the link for more details.