Ondo 2020: INEC issues seven guidelines for voting at polling units

In a bid to ensure that Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo State is free and fair, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has issued some guidelines aimed at helping voters to be informed about what to expect as voting gets underway.

There are 3,009 polling units in Ondo State, and voters are expected to observe some procedures at the polling units.

According to the commission, the seven procedures voters should undertake at their polling units are:

1. At the polling unit, join the queue. An INEC official will check if you are at the correct polling unit and confirm that the PVC presented belongs to you.

2. An INEC official will confirm if your PVC is genuine using the card reader. You will be asked to place your finger on the card reader.

3. An INEC official will ask for your PVC and confirm you are listed in the Voters Register. Your name will be ticked and your finger will be inked to confirm you have voted. If your name is not found you cannot vote.

4. The Presiding officer will stamp, sign, and endorse your ballot paper. You will be given the ballot paper rolled with the printed side inwards and directed to the voting cubicle.

5. Stain your finger with the ink given and mark the box for your preferred candidate/party. Roll the ballot paper in the manner you were given and flatten it.

6. Leave the voting cubicle and drop the ballot paper in the ballot box in full view of people at the Polling Unit.

7. Leave the Polling Unit or wait if you so choose, in an orderly and peaceful manner, to watch the process up to the declaration of result.

The electoral umpire said the result of each polling unit will be pasted at the unit for everyone to see, adding that voters living with disabilities will be assisted to vote in the polling unit by a person chosen by him/her, other than a poll agent.

The commission further stated that where available, visually impaired voters may use Assistive Tactile facilities.