May 02, Colombo (LNW): With local authority elections set to take place on May 06, 2025, the Election Commission has released an official set of instructions aimed at guiding voters through the correct procedures for casting their ballots.
These measures are intended to safeguard the integrity of the voting process while ensuring clarity and consistency at polling stations across the island.
Addressing the public ahead of the polls, the Chairman of the Election Commission, R.M.A.L. Ratnayake, clarified that each eligible citizen will be issued a single ballot paper, reinforcing the principle of one person, one vote.
The design of the ballot has been standardised to include only the names and emblems of registered political parties, and where applicable, the identifying number and symbol for each independent group. No individual candidates or ward numbers will be listed.
The commission has specified that electors are required to indicate their preference by placing a single cross (X) within the box adjacent to the party or independent group of their choice.
Marking more than one box or placing any alternative symbol or annotation on the ballot paper could result in the vote being declared invalid.
Such actions may be interpreted as an attempt to compromise the anonymity of the vote, and therefore fall outside the bounds of electoral procedure.
Voters are strongly urged to take care when completing their ballot, ensuring that no stray marks or identifying features are added, intentionally or otherwise. Any deviation from the standard marking method may lead to the ballot being rejected during counting.
In preparation for polling day, the Commission has also reiterated the list of documents that may be used to confirm voter identity. A broad range of identification options will be accepted, including the National Identity Card, a valid passport, a current driving licence, as well as identity cards issued for retirees, members of the clergy, or senior citizens.
Additionally, temporary ID cards provided by the Election Commission for persons with disabilities or others lacking standard documentation will be deemed valid. A temporary driving licence featuring a photograph will also be considered acceptable.
Importantly, the Commission clarified that a polling card is not essential to exercise one’s franchise. As long as a recognised form of identification is presented, voters will not be turned away from the polls.
The Election Commission has also called on the public to assist in upholding the transparency and credibility of the election by following all stipulated procedures without deviation.
