The Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana has outlined the procedures for special voting ahead of the December 2024 general elections, urging eligible voters assigned to specific duties on Election Day to apply for special voting.
The Commission disclosed that special voting will take place on Monday, December 2, 2024, in all 276 constituency centres across the country.
Chairperson of the Commission Jean Mensa disclosed this during a meeting with Security Agencies and Editors in Accra on Tuesday.
Special voting is designated for officers from various services, including the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Armed Forces, Immigration, Customs, Fire Service, Prison Service, polling officials, and accredited media personnel.
This allows them to vote ahead of the general election since they will be occupied with election duties on the main voting day.
She explained that district police headquarters will primarily serve as special voting centres, with additional centres designated if the number of voters exceeds the threshold of 750 set by the Commission.
The Commissioner emphasized the importance of adhering to the application process to ensure eligibility.
She said, “All applicants for special voting should apply directly to the returning officer of their constituency where they are registered. Institutions must submit a list of their officers, including names, voter IDs, and polling station codes, to facilitate the verification process.
Applicants, she said, must apply in person, and those who have lost their voter ID cards should replace them during the replacement exercise to provide accurate information for their applications.
The EC also stressed the necessity of institutional verification. “It is important to emphasize that any person registering out of the mentioned groups must provide a letter from their institution to prevent unauthorized applications.”
She explained the eligibility criteria include being a registered voter in the constituency where the individual wishes to vote. If a voter has relocated to a different constituency, they must transfer their vote during the transfer period to qualify for special voting in their new constituency.
“If an applicant fails to transfer their vote and applies for special voting, they will not be eligible to vote in their new constituency,” the statement clarified.
The EC Chairperson cautioned that special voting is not automatic, and eligible officers must apply to be placed on the special voters’ register.
“To be on the special voters’ register, you must apply in person to the returning officer of your agency. Once the application is accepted, your name will be temporarily removed from the original polling station register to prevent double voting,” she noted.
The Electoral Commission has developed a specific form for institutions and individuals to use in the application process. This form details the required information to assist returning officers in placing applicants on the special voters’ register.