The Election Commission has issued guidelines for voters on how to cast their ballots in the upcoming 2024 Presidential Election, scheduled for September 21, 2024. With more than three candidates in the race, voters can select their top three candidates in order of preference.
How to Cast Your Vote:
- Mark Your First Choice: Write the number “1” next to the name of your most preferred candidate.
- Second and Third Choices (Optional): You may also mark “2” and “3” next to the names of your second and third choices. However, marking only the first choice is sufficient for your vote to be counted.
The Election Commission clarified that a ballot remains valid even if only the first preference is marked. Additionally, if a voter clearly indicates their choice using a mark such as an “X,” the vote will still be counted.
Voters Should Avoid the Following to Ensure Their Vote is Not Rejected:
- Do not leave all options blank.
- Do not mark more than one candidate as your first choice.
- Avoid using symbols or writing on the ballot that could identify you.
- Ensure that second and third preferences are marked only with “2” and “3” respectively, if you choose to mark them.
These guidelines aim to help voters cast their votes correctly and avoid disqualification of their ballots.
Source – dailymirror.lk
