What to Do If You Are Denied the Right to Vote

Sometimes things go wrong at the polling unit. Your PVC might not scan, your name might not appear on the register, or officials might turn you away for other reasons. Here's what to do.

Common Reasons You Might Be Denied

1. Your PVC does not scan on BVAS — The machine cannot read the barcode or chip.
2. Biometric verification fails — Neither fingerprint nor facial recognition matches.
3. Your name is not on the register — Despite having a valid PVC, your name might not appear on the voter register for that polling unit.
4. You are at the wrong polling unit — Your PVC is tied to a specific polling unit. You cannot vote elsewhere.
5. Arriving after 2:30 PM — If you are not already in the queue by closing time.

Your Immediate Steps

Step 1: Stay Calm

Do not argue aggressively with INEC officials. Remain calm and assertive.

Step 2: Ask for Clarification

Ask the Presiding Officer (PO) to explain exactly why you cannot vote. Get a clear answer.

Step 3: Request Multiple Attempts

If biometric verification fails, INEC guidelines require multiple attempts on both fingerprint and facial recognition before denying you.

Step 4: Check the Register

Ask the official to physically check the paper voter register (not just the BVAS). Your name should be there if you registered at that polling unit.

Step 5: Document Everything

• Note the time and date.
• Note the name or ID of the INEC official who denied you.
• Take photos of any relevant notices or documents (but NOT of ballots).
• Get witnesses — other voters who saw what happened.

Step 6: Report

On the spot:

• Report to the Presiding Officer or INEC's Supervisory Presiding Officer for the area.
• Report to election observers if present (they wear official badges).

After the election:

• File a report with your INEC State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC).
• Report through civil society organizations.
• Use this app's Incident Reporting feature to create a permanent record.

Know This

If your PVC is valid and you are at the correct polling unit, INEC has the obligation to find a way to verify and allow you to vote. No voter should be turned away without a proper reason.