The process of online voter registration in Nigeria has significantly improved participation in elections, thanks to initiatives by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Citizens can now conveniently register, request a new Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC), or replace a misplaced or damaged one via the official INEC online platform. This article outlines important details about voter card registration online in Nigeria and how you can make use of this digital service.
An INEC official organizes voter cards at a Lagos ward on January 12, 2023. Photo: Pius Utomi Ekpei (modified by author) Source: Getty Images
Key Takeaways
- A Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) is required for participation in elections in Nigeria.
- INEC offers an official website where Nigerians can register for their voter cards online.
- Applicants must provide accurate personal information, including full name, birth date, and a valid email address.
- Citizens can track their registration progress and receive updates on when their PVC is ready for pick-up.
How To Register Or Replace Your PVC Online
In a bid to simplify the electoral process, INEC launched an online registration portal in 2021. Through this platform, Nigerians can begin their voter registration or request replacements for lost or damaged cards. Below are the steps to follow:
- Visit the official registration portal at cvr.inecnigeria.org and click on “Get Started.”
- Register by entering a valid email address.
- Open the activation link sent to your email to confirm your account.
- Complete the online form with your personal details.
- Choose a preferred date and INEC centre for physical registration and biometric capture, then submit the form.
- Print the application slip containing your ID and QR code.
- Attend your scheduled appointment with the printed slip for biometric data capture.
- Upon successful registration, a slip will be issued to you for PVC collection.
- INEC will notify you once your PVC is available. To collect it, present your Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) to INEC officials.
If you miss the online registration, you can still register and have your biometric data captured at your local INEC office or an accredited centre.
Who Is Eligible To Register Or Update Their PVC?
An INEC official sorts PVCs at a Lagos ward on January 12, 2023. Photo: Pius Utomi Ekpei Source: Getty Images
To be eligible for a voter’s card in Nigeria, the following requirements must be met according to INEC’s guidelines:
- Must be a citizen of Nigeria residing in the country.
- Must be at least 18 years old and not previously registered.
- Registered voters who face accreditation problems during elections.
- Those wishing to change their voting location or polling unit.
- Voters whose cards are lost or damaged.
- Voters needing to amend personal information like name, birth date, or address.
- Individuals who have yet to collect their PVCs.
How To Replace A Lost Or Damaged PVC
A person can apply in person to the Electoral Officer at their Local Government Area (LGA) or Area Council for a replacement at least 30 days before the election. A processing fee will also apply.
Alternatively, you can initiate the replacement online via the INEC CVR Portal. The following steps outline the process:
- Access the INEC Continuous Voter Registration portal.
- Set up an account or log in with your Google account.
- On the homepage, select “Request New Card.”
- Fill out the application form with your state, full name, and date of birth.
- Confirm your voter details as displayed.
- State the reason for requesting a new card.
- Upload supporting documents to verify your claim.
- Attach two passport photographs.
- Use your computer webcam to take a live photo.
- Once submitted, you can track the progress of your application via your INEC dashboard.
How To Check Your Voter’s Card Online In Nigeria
You can confirm your voter registration details using either your Voter Identification Number (VIN) or your name and date of birth. Below are the methods available:
Using Name And Date Of Birth
Checking your voter status with your name and birth date is simple:
- Click on the Voter Status Verification link on the INEC website.
- Select your state, enter your full name as used during registration, and input your date of birth.
- Click ‘check status’ to view your details.
Using Your VIN
To verify your voter status with your VIN, follow these steps:
- Go to the Voters Status Verification link.
- Enter your state, local government, and surname.
- Input your Voter Identification Number.
- Click on ‘Check status.’
Your details, including VIN, gender, occupation, registration date, state, local government, ward, polling unit, and whether your PVC is ready, will be displayed.
Is Voter Card Registration Still Open?
Online registration closed on May 30, 2022. Applicants who registered online should have completed biometric capture at an INEC centre before that deadline.
Requirements For Collecting Your PVC
To collect your PVC, present your Temporary Voter’s Card (TVC) to INEC officials at the registration centre.
Can One Person Possess More Than One Voter Card?
No, an individual is permitted to hold only one valid voter card at a time. During transfers or when replacing a card, the old one must be returned before a new one is issued.
Online voter registration in Nigeria has helped simplify the process of participating in elections. The platform introduced by INEC in 2021 enables citizens to initiate applications online, print out necessary slips, and visit designated centres for biometric data capture.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for general informational purposes and is not affiliated with any third party. It does not address individual circumstances or constitute professional advice. Any actions taken based on this content are solely at the reader’s risk.
