How to Vote in Ghana with a Missing Voter ID Card: A Complete Guide for December 7th

Losing your voter ID card can be stressful, especially as Ghana approaches its general elections on December 7th. Many eligible voters may feel uncertain about their ability to participate or delay looking for their misplaced cards, believing their vote won’t matter. This article answers key questions and provides practical guidance to ensure that missing a voter ID card doesn’t stop you from casting your ballot.

Can You Vote Without Your Voter ID Card?

Yes, you can. The Electoral Commission (EC) allows registered voters to cast their ballots even if they have misplaced their voter ID cards. However, you must have registered to vote and be listed in the polling station’s register. Verification is mandatory, so anyone without a valid voter ID who isn’t on the register will not be allowed to vote.

What to Do If You’ve Lost Your Voter ID Card

On election day, follow these steps to vote without your voter ID card:

Go to Your Designated Polling Station: Locate the polling station where you registered to vote.
Join the Queue: Wait your turn in the line to begin the voting process.
Speak to the Name Reference Officer: This official manages the list of registered voters. Inform them that your voter ID card is missing but that you are registered at that station.
Verify Your Name: The officer will search for your name on the voter list.
Proceed to the Verification Officer: Once your name is confirmed, the verification officer will authenticate your details using the EC’s biometric verification system.
Cast Your Ballot: After successful verification, proceed to vote.

Official Confirmation From the Electoral Commission

Dr. Bossman Asare, Deputy Chairman of the Electoral Commission, has confirmed this process. While having your voter ID card simplifies voting, it is not the sole requirement for participation. The name reference officer plays a crucial role in ensuring registered voters without cards are verified and allowed to vote.

Why Your Vote Matters

Your participation in the elections is essential to shaping Ghana’s future. Allowing a missing voter ID card to prevent you from voting means losing your voice in choosing leaders and policies that affect you. As Ghana prepares to elect a president and 275 members of parliament, every vote counts.

Spread the Word

Inform friends, family, and neighbors about the voting process for those with missing voter ID cards. No one should be left out of this democratic exercise due to misinformation or uncertainty.

For more information on the voting process or electoral updates, visit the Electoral Commission of Ghana’s website.

Ensure you participate in this critical national decision-making process, even if you’ve misplaced your voter ID card. Every vote matters—yours included.