How to Verify Your Polling Unit Online Before Election Day
Election day can be stressful enough without discovering that you are at the wrong polling unit. Every election cycle, thousands of Nigerian voters lose their chance to vote simply because they showed up at the wrong location. The good news is that INEC provides a free online tool — the Voter Verification Service (VVS) — that lets you confirm your polling unit details in minutes from the comfort of your home.
###Why You Should Verify Your Polling Unit Your polling unit is the only location where you are legally allowed to vote. Even if you have a valid PVC, presenting it at the wrong polling unit means you will be turned away. Here is why verification matters:
Polling units can change — INEC periodically reassigns or relocates polling units. The location you voted at in a previous election may no longer be your assigned unit. Avoid election day surprises — Discovering a problem on election day gives you no time to fix it. Transfer confirmation — If you applied for a transfer of your voter registration to a new location, verifying online confirms whether INEC has processed it. Peace of mind — Knowing exactly where to go means you can plan your travel, arrive early, and vote with confidence.
###How to Use INEC's Voter Verification Service (VVS) INEC's Voter Verification Service is available at cvr.inecnigeria.org/vvs. There are two methods you can use to verify your details:
Method 1: Verify Using Your Name and Date of Birth This method is ideal if you do not have your VIN (Voter Identification Number) handy.
Go to the VVS portal — Open your web browser and visit the INEC Voter Verification Service page. Select your State of Registration — Choose the state where you originally registered as a voter from the dropdown menu. Select your Local Government Area — Once you choose your state, the Local Government dropdown will populate automatically. Select the LGA where you registered. Enter your Last Name — Type your surname exactly as you provided it during registration. It must be at least 2 characters. Enter your First Name — Type your first name as it appears in your registration. Enter your Date of Birth — Select the day, month, and year of birth using the dropdown fields. Complete the security check — Solve the CAPTCHA to prove you are a human user. Click "Verify" — The system will search for your record and display your registration details, including your assigned polling unit.
Method 2: Verify Using Your VIN (Voter Identification Number) Your VIN is the unique number printed on your PVC. This method is faster and more precise.
Go to the VVS portal — Visit the INEC Voter Verification Service page. Switch to the VIN tab — Select the option to search by VIN. Select your State and Local Government — Same as Method 1. Enter your Last Name — Type your surname as registered. Enter your VIN — Type your full Voter Identification Number, or just the last 10 digits. You can find this number on the front of your PVC. Complete the security check — Solve the CAPTCHA verification. Click "Verify" — Your polling unit details will be displayed if your record is found. What to Do With Your Results Once the system finds your record, take note of:
Your Polling Unit name and code — Write this down or take a screenshot. The Ward and LGA — This confirms the administrative area your unit falls under. Your registration details — Confirm that your name and other details are correct. Use the "Find PU" feature on MyPollingUnit to search for your polling unit by name or INEC code and get Google Maps directions to the exact location. This way, you will know precisely where to go on election day.
###What If You Cannot Find Your Record? If the VVS cannot find your details, here is what to do:
Double-check your spelling — Make sure your name matches exactly what you provided during registration. Try variations (e.g., with or without a middle name). Confirm the correct state and LGA — You must search in the state and LGA where you originally registered, not where you currently live (unless you transferred). Try both methods — If the name search fails, try with your VIN, and vice versa. Visit your nearest INEC office — If online verification fails, go to your local INEC office with your PVC for in-person verification. INEC staff can check your status directly in their system. Check if your registration is still active — In rare cases, records may be flagged or deactivated. INEC will advise on next steps. When Should You Verify? Do not wait until the last minute. Here is a recommended timeline:
4 weeks before election day — Verify your polling unit online. This gives you ample time to resolve any issues. 2 weeks before election day — If you found problems, follow up with INEC and confirm they have been resolved. 1 week before election day — Do a final verification and plan your route to the polling unit using Google Maps or the MyPollingUnit app. The day before — Review your screenshot of the verification result and confirm your travel plans. Tips for a Smooth Election Day Save your polling unit details offline — Take a screenshot or write them down. Network congestion on election day may make it difficult to access the website. Share this guide with others — Many Nigerians are not aware of the VVS tool. Share it with family, friends, and neighbours. Arrive early — Polling units open at 8:30 AM. Being early ensures you are among the first to be accredited. Bring only your PVC — Your Permanent Voter's Card is the only document you need. No other form of ID is accepted for voting. Know your rights — If BVAS fails to verify you but you have a valid PVC and are at the correct polling unit, calmly ask the presiding officer to retry or escalate the issue. Quick Reference Detail Where to Find It VVS Portal cvr.inecnigeria.org/vvs Your VIN Front of your PVC Polling Unit Location MyPollingUnit app "Find PU" feature INEC Contact Visit your nearest INEC state or LGA office Verifying your polling unit is one of the simplest yet most important steps you can take before any election. It costs nothing, takes only a few minutes, and can mean the difference between casting your vote and being turned away. Do it today — your vote is your voice.