Elections Are Approaching — But How Do You Actually Vote?

With elections on the horizon, it is more important than ever for every eligible citizen to understand the process of voting. Participating in an election is the fundamental civic duty and right of a person,  yet the procedures, requirements, and regulations that govern the voting process are not always widely understood. From ensuring timely registration to navigating the protocols of the polling station, a well-informed voter is better equipped to exercise their rights and minimize the risk of invalid vote. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the rights, responsibilities, and key guidelines that every citizen, whether a first-time voter or a seasoned participant in democracy, should be familiar with ahead of Election Day.

What are your rights and responsibilities as a voter?

You have the right and responsibility to be informed about

• your constituency, 
• candidates contesting within your constituency, and
• the manifestos and programs of the candidates and political parties.

 

The election commission, in its website, has acknowledged these rights of the voters and made all these information available for the general public. Each of these will be explored in the chapters ahead, along with guidance on how to access them.

What should you do before the election?

• Find your specific constituency by checking the Election Commission’s website portal. 
• Find candidates in your constituency through the website.
• Review the manifestos, election symbols, and sample ballot papers in advance.
  • Manifestos
    • A public declaration of policy and aims of a political party or candidate.
    • All the political parties must submit their manifesto to the election commission and candidates to the district election offices or the election department within DAO.
    • You can access the compiled manifestos here. These are also published at the parties’ websites for the general public. 

When and where do you vote?

• • Date: Falgun 21, 2082 (March 5, 2026) 
  • Time: Arrive between 7 AM and 5 PM.
  • Venue, Polling booth: The location where you will be going to cast your ballot can be identified through Nagarik App. After  logging into the Nagarik App click on the “मतदाता परिचयपत्र” option and then below your Digital Voter ID Card, you will find an option to see your polling booth on google maps. 
    • For those who do not have a Nagarik App account, the polling booth information is  available  at the bottom of the Voter ID card and also can be obtained by contacting the District Election Office or the DAO. 
  • Mode of Transportation: On voting day, you cannot commute to the polling booth by any vehicle. So you have to walk to the polling booth.

• Can you vote at any polling station? 

No. You can only vote in the area where you are a permanent resident and officially registered.

What documents do you need to bring to the polling station? 

• • Voter ID Card (or the ID number if card not yet issued)
  • An identity card (citizenship card, national ID, or any government-recognized ID) in constituencies where it is required.

• In some constituencies, voting is not allowed without valid identification. Even where not mandatory, carrying identification is advisable.

On polling day, how do you actually vote? 

• Verification: Visit the first desk to match your ID with the official voter list.
• Security & Forms: After a quick check, a volunteer will help you fill out the required form.
• Marking & Authorisation: A representative will mark your left thumb with indelible ink.
  • The voting officer will take your thumbprint and provide you with two signed ballot papers.
• The Voting Booth: Enter the private booth.
  • Dip the Swastika stamp in the ink pad and press it clearly inside the box of your chosen candidate. You need to stamp two different ballot papers in the upcoming elections with the Swastika stamp. 
• But Why Two Different Ballot Papers?

What is a ballot?

A ballot paper is your official voting document. It lists candidates and party symbols, allowing you to cast a secret vote by marking your choice with a stamp. In the upcoming election, you will receive two separate ballot papers:

• First-Past-The-Post: Use this to choose one specific candidate to represent your local area. The candidate with the most votes wins.
• Proportional Representation: Use this to choose a political party symbol. This ensures parties get seats in Parliament based on their total national popularity.

What is an election symbol? 

An election symbol is the visual emblem printed on the ballot paper that represents a political party or an independent candidate. They play a crucial role in the voting process, as voters identify their preferred candidate through these symbols.

 

As of January 25, 2026, there are 136 registered political parties, each assigned a distinct election symbol. Voters are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their chosen party’s symbol in advance. On polling day, they can cast their vote by stamping the ballot next to the symbol of the party or candidate they wish to support. A complete list of the registered parties and their respective election symbols is available on the official website of the Election Commission Nepal.

What are the important rules to keep in mind while stamping a ballot paper?

• The ballot papers must be signed by a voting officer.
• The Swastika stamp must be used, and any other stamps mustn’t be used.
• The mark should be placed at the candidate’s election symbol box and not elsewhere.
• Each individual can only mark a single candidate on individual ballot papers.
• Keep the ballot inside the ballot box and not outside.
• The ballot should consist of a single vote, and an empty ballot paper will not be considered as a vote.

• Is it legal to carry the ballot outside the polling station without casting it into the ballot box?

No, the voters are not allowed to carry the ballot outside the polling station. They have to drop the ballot into a ballot box.

What are the conditions under which a ballot will be declared invalid? 

The election commission released a Voters Awareness Booklet outlining the conditions under which a ballot will be declared invalid. They are listed below.

1. If the ballot does not bear the signature of the concerned polling officer.
2. If the ballot does not have the marking designated for voting (“swastik”), or bears any other sign.
3. If the marks on the ballot are torn, blurred, defaced, or dirty.
4. If the ballot is marked in a place other than in the box containing the symbol of the candidate.
5. If the ballot is marked in a place where there is no one contesting.
6. If the ballot is marked in more than one box.
7. If the mark does not clearly signify to which candidate the mark has been given.
8. If a half mark is made on one section of the ballot and a full mark on the other section of the ballot.
9. If the vote is cast on a ballot other than the ballot specified for the concerned polling station.
10. If money or other extra papers are attached to the ballot, 
11. If the ballot is torn or has a hole.
12. If the receipt is not split from the ballot.
13. If the ballot is returned to the polling officer with the intention of abstaining from voting.
14. If it is a fake ballot.

What special arrangements are available for voters with disabilities?

The Act Relating to Rights of Persons with Disabilities, 2074 (2017) has granted the Right of Political Participation to persons with disabilities:

(1) They have the right to run as candidates in a safe environment and to vote freely, with or without assistance.

(2) The government must ensure voting processes and materials are accessible and easy to understand for all.

Additionally the Election Commission provides special arrangements for:

• Visually impaired voters
• Persons with physical disabilities
• Voters unable to mark their ballots independently

Priority voting (without standing in line) will be provided to:

• Pregnant women
• Persons with disabilities
• Senior citizens
• Sick individuals
• People observing mourning rituals
• New mothers
• Gender and sexual minorities
• Other eligible voters requiring special consideration

Voters who are visually impaired, physically disabled, or unable to mark their ballots independently may:

• Request permission from the polling officer
• Bring a member of their immediate household into the voting area for assistance
• Receive approval from the polling officer upon request
• The polling officer must provide necessary support to visually impaired or physically disabled voters