10 things to do before and after voting in 2024 general elections

As Ghana prepares for the 2024 General Elections, it’s essential for every voter to be informed about the voting process and guidelines. To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, here are ten important things to know before and after you cast your ballot.

1. Confirm your polling station details
If you haven’t confirmed your polling station yet, dial *711*51# to verify your details. This service, provided by the Electoral Commission (EC), ensures that you know exactly where you are expected to vote. It’s crucial to check this information ahead of time to avoid confusion on election day.

2. You can vote even without your Voter ID
Misplaced your voter ID card? Don’t worry! You can still vote as long as your name is on the voter register. The EC will use biometric verification to confirm your identity. However, having an additional form of ID, such as a national ID, can be helpful in rare cases of discrepancies.

3. Join the queue in an orderly manner
Arriving early at your polling station can save you time, but always remember to remain patient and orderly if there’s a queue. Special considerations are made for the elderly, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities, allowing them to vote ahead of others.

4. Respect election officials’ instructions
Follow all directives from the presiding officer and other officials at the polling station. These officers are trained to ensure a smooth process, and any act of defiance or disorderly conduct could lead to removal from the station or further legal action.

5. Go through the verification process
Biometric verification is mandatory. This includes fingerprint and facial recognition to confirm your eligibility to vote. If the biometric system fails, manual verification methods will be used, such as cross-checking your photo in the voter register. Verification ensures transparency and prevents voter impersonation.

6. Check your ballot paper for the official stamp
Before marking your ballot, verify that the back of the paper bears the EC’s official validation stamp. A ballot paper without this stamp will be deemed invalid and not counted during collation. Report immediately to an election official if the stamp is missing.

7. Vote in secrecy
The principle of secret voting is protected by law. Mark your choice in the voting booth without revealing it to anyone. Taking photos of your marked ballot or discussing your vote in the polling station is a criminal offence, punishable by law.

8. Cast your vote and leave the polling station
After marking your ballot, fold it vertically to hide your choice, and drop it into the designated ballot box. Once you’ve cast your vote, leave the polling station unless you are an accredited observer or party agent. This reduces overcrowding and ensures the process runs efficiently.

9. Observe from a distance
You are allowed to stay near the polling station to observe proceedings after voting, but do so from a respectful distance. Avoid lingering too close to the voting area as it could disrupt the process. Maintain peace and allow officials to do their work.

10. Return at 5 PM for counting
Polling stations close at 5 PM, after which the counting of ballots begins. You can return to observe this process, but only accredited individuals, such as party agents, observers, and journalists, are allowed close access. Respect the guidelines to avoid conflict during this critical stage.