Step-by-Step Election Day Voting Procedure
8:30 AM – 2:30 PMPolling units open nationwide at 8:30 AM. Accreditation and voting commence simultaneously and conclude at 2:30 PM. However, every voter on the queue on or before 2:30 PM is entitled to vote.
Join the Orderly Queue
Arrive at your registered Polling Unit and join the orderly queue. Ensure you have your physical Permanent Voter Card (PVC) with you.
Present Your PVC
Present your Permanent Voter Card (PVC) to the Assistant Presiding Officer (APO II) who scans the card details on the BVAS reader.
BVAS Biometric Accreditation
The BVAS captures and verifies your fingerprint biometrics. If fingerprint capture fails, facial recognition authentication is instantly deployed.
Register Check & Ballot Paper
The Assistant Presiding Officer (APO I) verifies your name on the register, marks the register, signs and stamps the official ballot paper, and hands it to you.
Thumbprint in Secret
Proceed to the private voting cubicle. Thumbprint cleanly inside the box corresponding to your chosen political party symbol using indelible ink.
Cast Ballot & Observe Peacefully
Fold your ballot vertically inward and drop it into the designated ballot box. You may leave or remain at least 300 meters away to observe open counting and results announcement.
Download Full 2023–2027 Election Procedures PDF
Get the official 8-page complete election procedure manual issued by INEC.