How to Vote for ADC Correctly
A single careless thumbprint can invalidate your vote. Study these illustrations so your vote counts on Election Day.
Invalid vs Valid Votes
Three common mistakes that waste your vote — and one correct way to cast it.
Thumbprint crosses into another party's box
Ballot Paper
INEC Official
If your ink bleeds across the dividing line and touches the space of any other party, INEC will reject the ballot. The thumbprint must stay completely within the ADC box.
Thumbprint placed outside all boxes
Ballot Paper
INEC Official
Placing or sliding your thumb so the print lands in the margin — outside the party's designated square — means the vote cannot be counted for any party.
Multiple or smeared prints
Ballot Paper
INEC Official
Pressing twice, adjusting your finger, or smearing the ink creates overlapping prints. Even if both are in the ADC box, the ballot will be declared invalid.
Clean print entirely inside ADC box
Ballot Paper
INEC Official
One firm, clear thumbprint placed directly inside the ADC box. The ink must not touch any line or box belonging to another party. This is the ONLY valid way to vote.
After Voting — Fold Correctly
Immediately after thumbprinting the ADC box, fold the ballot paper in half vertically (lengthwise, top-to-bottom) before the ink dries. This prevents the fresh print from stamping another party's box on the opposite side.
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