A Permanent Voters Card is one of the things every Nigerian wants to be armed with right now. The 2023 General Elections are less than two years away from now.
Well, here’s something you should know: the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is set to begin the Continous Voter Registration exercise on June 28, 2021. This registration exercise is how every Nigerian applies for and gets their Permanent Voters Card, so you should be interested in it and participate if you haven’t gotten your card yet.
But first, who is eligible to apply for a Permanent Voters Card?
- Nigerians who are at least 18 years and have never registered to vote
- A registered voter who has issues with accreditation in previous elections
- Registered voters looking to change their voting locations
- Registered voters whose Permanent Voters card is lost or damaged.
- Registered voters who would like to correct important information, like name and date of birth.
Now, How do you apply for a permanent voters card?
1. Visit the INEC registration centre in your local government area.
It is recommended that you choose a centre that is nearest to you. Find a list of all registration area centres across the country here.
Also, search for the polling unit closest to you here.
2. Present proof of identity and have your biometric information captured by the INEC officials
Proof of identity could be your Birth Certificate, National Passport, Identity Card or Driver’s License. Once your identity and age has been confirmed, an official will collect your information with a Direct Data Capture Device. Your photograph and thumbprint will be taken and stored in the INEC database.
3. You will be issued a Temporary Voters Card
The Temporary Voters Card is proof that you completed the registration process. Go home and keep it safe, you will need it later.
4. INEC officials will contact you when your Permanent Voters Card is ready
When you get the word, return to the centre where you registered and present your Temporary Voters Card. Wait to collect your Permanent Voters Card.
Now, you can vote.
In preparation for the 2023 General Elections, INEC is introducing an online registration portal. You could start the process on this portal: fill out your details and print out the slip. Afterwards, find the nearest registration centre and submit yourself for data capture.
This is also useful for people who wish to replace their lost or damaged voters cards. Or people who wants to change their voting locations or correct their information. The Portal means you can start the application process online.
However, it doesn’t seem like this portal is online yet.
