Sri Lanka is preparing for its presidential election on September 21, 2024. The Election Commission has released a comprehensive set of guidelines to ensure voters can manoeuvre the process smoothly. With several candidates in the running, understanding the voting procedure is a necessity to exercising the voter’s democratic rights.
Essential Identification Documents
Before heading to the polling station, ensure you have the appropriate identification. Every voter is required to present one of the following official identity documents:
• National Identity Card (NIC)
• Valid passport
• Valid driving license
• Senior citizens’ identity card
• Government pensioners’ identity card
• Identity card issued to clergy
• Temporary identity card issued by the Election Commission, obtainable through your local Grama Niladhari
Carrying these documents helps verify your eligibility to vote and prevents any delays in the process. The official poll card is not mandatory, yet the Election Commission advises bringing it along for convenience. It helps polling staff locate your details quickly.
Step-by-Step Voting Process
Once at the polling station, you will proceed through a series of checks before casting your ballot. Here’s a breakdown of what happens at each stage:
1. Identity verification
The first officer you encounter will request your identification. They will carefully examine the document—whether it’s your NIC, passport, or other approved ID—and verify that your face matches the photo. If the officer is satisfied with your identity, you’ll be directed to the next officer.
2. Poll card and name verification
At the second stage, another officer will ask for your official poll card, if you have it. They will then locate your name in the electoral register and ask you to verbally confirm it. Once confirmed, the officer will announce your name and your serial number aloud. If there are no objections, you will be directed to the next officer.
3. Application of indelible ink
The third officer will check your left hand’s little finger to ensure it hasn’t already been marked with indelible ink, which prevents multiple voting. The ink is then applied to your finger—a process that is mandatory. If you refuse this step, you will not be allowed to vote. After this, the officer hands you the ballot paper, and you are ready to cast your vote.
Marking your ballot: preferences and choices
Upon receiving your ballot paper, you will head to a private voting cubicle. Here, you can select your preferred candidates. Since more than three candidates are contesting this election, the ballot allows voters to indicate preferences for up to three candidates.
• First Preference: Mark the number 1 next to the name of your top-choice candidate.
• Second Preference: Mark the number 2 next to your second-choice candidate.
• Third Preference: Mark the number 3 next to your third-choice candidate.
Though it is optional to mark all three preferences, the ballot will still be valid as long as the number 1 is marked correctly for one candidate. The Election Commission has clarified that if only the first preference is indicated, the vote will be counted, even if the second and third preferences are left blank.
Folding and submitting your ballot
After making your selections, fold the ballot paper—either in two or four folds—and place it into the ballot box. This concludes the voting process. Be careful not to make any marks on the ballot that could identify you, as this will lead to its rejection.
What invalidates a ballot?
To avoid your vote being disqualified, ensure you follow the guidelines for marking the ballot correctly. The Election Commission has issued warnings regarding several common mistakes that could lead to rejection:
• Leaving all candidate boxes unmarked
• Voting for more than one candidate by marking 1 for multiple names
• Marking 1 for one candidate and using an “X” or any other symbol for another
• Marking only the second or third preference without indicating a first preference
• Using marks other than 1, 2, and 3 for preferences
• Marking more than three preferences
Additionally, if there are any signs or writing on the ballot that could be traced back to the voter, the ballot will be discarded. Careful attention is necessary to ensure that your vote counts.
Special Voting Arrangements for Voters with Disabilities
For voters with disabilities or special needs, the Election Commission has outlined additional measures to ensure accessibility. Those who are visually impaired or physically unable to mark the ballot by hand are permitted to bring an assisting person to help them vote. This assistant must be approved by a letter from the Grama Niladhari, certified by a Government Medical Officer.
Upon arrival at the polling station, the identity of both the voter and their assistant will be verified. The assistant will then accompany the voter into the cubicle and mark the ballot on their behalf, in the presence of the Senior Presiding Officer and another polling staff member. If a visually impaired voter arrives without an assistant, the Senior Presiding Officer will guide them through the process, marking the vote according to the voter’s instructions in the presence of another official.
Election offences and penalties
Election Day brings strict legal frameworks aimed at protecting the integrity of the voting process. Both the Ceylon Penal Code and Parliamentary Acts cover a wide range of electoral offences, with serious consequences for those found guilty. These offences can be broadly categorized into three groups:
1. Election Offences
These include impersonating another voter, damaging or defacing ballots, or displaying a marked ballot. Such actions carry penalties of up to two years in prison and a loss of civil rights for seven years.
2. Corrupt Practices
Bribery, undue influence, and offering incentives to voters are classified as corrupt practices. Individuals found guilty may face a fine of Rs. 300 and the potential loss of their voting rights for three years.
3. Illegal Practices
Certain election-related activities, such as excessive campaign spending, distributing false information, or violating printing regulations, fall under illegal practices. Offenders may be fined Rs. 300 and face a loss of civil rights for three years.
Polling officers play a crucial role in ensuring the voting process runs smoothly and legally. They are tasked with checking identification, managing the voting process, and ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly. Transparency is a key element of this process, with multiple officers overseeing different stages, from identity verification to the final submission of ballots.
