No voter is allowed to cast vote outside electorate: EC

By Sheain Fernandopulle

The Election Commission (EC) categorically refuted media reports suggesting that voters will be able to cast their votes at any polling station in the upcoming Presidential Election.

The Commission clarified that voters are only allowed to vote at the polling station designated to them in the Electoral Register.

The Commission emphasised that voters will be notified via post of their designated polling station, including details such as their name, address and the time of voting.
The clarification follows the Commission’s earlier statement based on a new gazette notification, which outlines a special procedure for voters who fear they may be unable to cast their votes at their designated polling stations.

Speaking to Daily Mirror, EC chairman R.M.A.L. Rathnayake said this measure, rooted in Section 119B of the Presidential Elections Act, aims to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the upcoming election despite potential threats in their areas.

“The notification specifies that any voter who has a reasonable fear of being unable to vote at their assigned polling station due to prevailing conditions can request to vote at an alternative location,” he added. The process to apply for this change involves obtaining an application from any District Returning Officer’s office or District Election Office, which ended on August 1, 2024.

The election chief added that this clarification follows false media reports suggesting that voters could cast their ballots at any polling station.