Guidance
Step-by-step guide to register as a voter in Sri Lanka
Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: Must be 18 years or older on the qualifying date
- Citizenship: Sri Lankan citizen by birth or registration
- Residence: Must be a resident of Sri Lanka
- Mental Capacity: Must be of sound mind
- Criminal Record: Not disqualified due to criminal convictions
Required Documents:
- NIC (National Identity Card): Valid Sri Lankan NIC
- Birth Certificate: Original or certified copy
- Address Proof: Utility bills or rental agreements
- Passport Photos: 2 recent passport-size photographs
- Form 1A: Voter registration application form
Registration Process:
- Visit Grama Niladhari Office: Go to your local Grama Niladhari (village officer) office
- Submit Application: Complete Form 1A with all required documents
- Verification: Officer verifies your identity and residence
- Approval: Application is approved by the Election Commission
- Voter ID: Receive your voter identification number
Online Registration: You can also register online through the Election Commission website or visit our registration page.
What to expect on Presidential Election Day in Sri Lanka
Before Voting:
- Check Polling Station: Verify your assigned polling station location
- Bring Documents: NIC and voter ID (if available)
- Dress Code: Wear appropriate clothing (no political symbols)
- Timing: Polling stations open from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM
At the Polling Station:
- Queue: Join the line at your assigned polling station
- Identity Check: Present your NIC for verification
- Ballot Paper: Receive official ballot paper with candidate symbols
- Voting Booth: Mark your choice in private
- Ballot Box: Deposit your ballot in the sealed box
Voting Process:
- Entry: Enter polling station and show your NIC
- Registration: Your name is checked against the voter list
- Ballot: Receive ballot paper with candidate symbols
- Marking: Mark your choice with the provided stamp
- Folding: Fold ballot and deposit in ballot box
- Exit: Leave polling station immediately
Important: Photography, campaigning, or discussing politics is strictly prohibited within 100 meters of polling stations.
Your rights and responsibilities as a Sri Lankan voter
Voter Rights:
- Right to Vote: Every eligible citizen has the right to vote
- Secret Ballot: Your vote is confidential and secret
- Equal Treatment: All voters are treated equally regardless of background
- Accessibility: Polling stations must be accessible to all voters
- Complaint Rights: Right to report violations or irregularities
- Information: Right to receive accurate election information
Voter Responsibilities:
- Register Register to vote before the deadline
- Verify Information: Check your polling station and voter details
- Follow Rules: Obey all election laws and regulations
- Respect Others: Be respectful to other voters and officials
- Report Issues: Report any violations or problems
- Stay Informed: Learn about candidates and their policies
What You Cannot Do:
- Vote more than once in the same election
- Campaign within 100 meters of polling stations
- Take photographs inside polling stations
- Intimidate or influence other voters
- Wear clothing with political symbols
- Bring weapons or dangerous items
Remember: Voting is both a right and a responsibility. Your vote helps shape the future of Sri Lanka.
Official rules and regulations for Sri Lankan elections
Election Laws:
- Presidential Elections Act No. 15 of 1981
- Parliamentary Elections Act No. 1 of 1981
- Local Authorities Elections Ordinance
- Election Commission Act No. 1 of 2023
Key Regulations:
- Voter Registration: Must register at least 30 days before election
- Polling Hours: 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM on election day
- Campaign Period: Ends 24 hours before polling
- Exit Polls: Prohibited until polling closes
Prohibited Activities:
- Bribery: Offering money or gifts for votes
- Intimidation: Threatening or coercing voters
- False Information: Spreading misinformation about candidates
- Multiple Voting: Voting more than once
- Unauthorized Access: Entering polling stations without permission
Penalties for Violations:
- Voter Fraud: Up to 2 years imprisonment
- Campaign Violations: Fines up to Rs. 100,000
- Intimidation: Threatening or coercing voters
- Bribery: Offering money or gifts for votes
Legal Notice: Violation of election laws is a serious offense. Report any suspicious activities to the Election Commission or local authorities.