Election Commission Clarifies Valid Voting Procedures

According to Ratnayake, voters must mark their choice using the number "1" as stipulated in Section 8 (a) of the Special Provisions for the Election of the President Act No. 2 of 1981 and the Third Schedule of the Election of the President Act No. 15 of 1981. Voters may indicate a second preference by marking "2" and a third preference with "3." 

Ratnayake clarified that votes marked with an "X" instead of the number "1" will still be considered valid in this election.

However, he warned that ballots will be deemed invalid under several circumstances: if no candidate is marked, if more than one candidate is marked, if both "X" and numerals are used, if only second or third preferences are marked, or if the voter's name or identifiable information is written on the ballot.

Voters must have a valid ID when going to vote .

Voters can present any of the following valid ID cards approved by the Election Commission to vote.

1. Valid National Identity Card
2. Valid Passport
3. Valid Driving License
4. Elderly Identity Card
5. Retired Identity Card
6. Clergy Identity Card
7. Temporary Identity Card issued by Village Officer by Election Department

But definitely take this one ID card with you.

Carrying mobile phone and taking pictures inside the polling station is completely illegal as per election rules.

The Chairman urged voters to adhere closely to the guidelines to ensure their votes are counted.