How to Mark a Ballot Paper in Kenya

In Kenya, marking a ballot paper correctly is essential to ensuring your vote is valid and not rejected. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) oversees this process during general elections and by-elections, such as those held in late 2025. 

How to Mark Your Ballot

1. Verify the Official Stamp: Before marking, ensure the ballot paper is stamped at the back with the official IEBC stamp. Without this stamp, the vote will be considered invalid.
2. Choose One Candidate: You must only place one mark per ballot paper for a single candidate.
3. Use an Approved Mark: You can use any of the following marks in the empty box next to your preferred candidate’s name and symbol:
   • A Tick (✓)
   • A Cross (✗)
   • A Dot (•)
   • A Thumbprint (using the ink provided at the polling station)
4. Stay Within the Box: Ensure your mark is clearly inside the designated square. If a mark crosses into another candidate’s box, it may be rejected as “spoilt”.
5. Fold Correctly: Fold the ballot paper vertically (from left to right) before leaving the voting booth. This protects the secrecy of your vote and prevents wet ink from smearing onto other candidates’ names. 

Ballot Paper Color Codes

Each elective position has a unique color for both the ballot paper and the lid of its corresponding ballot box: 

• White: President
• Blue: Governor
• Yellow: Senator
• Green: Member of National Assembly (MP)
• Purple/Pink: County Women Representative
• Beige: Member of County Assembly (MCA) 

Important Don’ts

• Do not sign or write your name on the ballot paper, as this reveals your identity and invalidates the vote.
• Do not mark more than one box for the same elective position.
• Do not take pictures of your marked ballot paper; the process is strictly confidential. 

Marking a ballot paper correctly is crucial to ensure that your vote counts and is not considered a spoilt vote. Mistakes such as voting for multiple candidates or marking outside the designated area can lead to your ballot being rejected.

Positions to Vote For in Kenya

During general elections in Kenya, voters elect representatives for the following positions:

1. President and Deputy President (on a joint ticket)
2. Members of the National Assembly (Constituency representatives)
3. Members of the Senate
4. County Women Representatives
5. County Governor and Deputy Governor (on a joint ticket)
6. Members of the County Assembly (MCA, also known as Ward Representatives)

Features of a Ballot Paper

A valid ballot paper in Kenya includes the following features:

• A serial number
• Names of candidates
• Political party symbols (for party-affiliated candidates)
• Images of candidates
• A marking space
• Instructions to the voter
• Security features to prevent duplication or fraud
• Official IEBC stamp at the back

Steps to Mark a Ballot Paper Correctly

1. Locate Your Preferred Candidate
   • Identify the name, portrait, and political party symbol of your preferred candidate.
   • If voting for an independent candidate, check for their name and portrait (independent candidates do not have party symbols).
2. Mark the Ballot Paper
   • Make only one mark per ballot paper in the space provided.
   • Use only the allowed marks:
     • A tick (✓)
     • A cross (✗)
   • Ensure the mark is clear and entirely within the provided box.
3. Avoid Invalidating Your Ballot
   • Do not sign, write your name, or use any personal symbol that can identify you.
   • Do not mark more than one candidate in the same ballot.
   • Do not mark outside the designated space.
4. Verify the Ballot Paper
   • Ensure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) official has stamped the ballot at the back before leaving the voting booth.
5. Cast Your Ballot in the Correct Box
   Match the colour of the ballot paper to the lid of the corresponding ballot box:PositionBallot Paper ColourBallot Box Lid ColourPresidentWhiteWhiteGovernorBlueBlueSenatorYellowYellowMember of County AssemblyBeigeBeigeMember of National AssemblyGreenGreenCounty Woman RepresentativePurplePurple
6. Exit the Polling Station
   • After casting your vote, exit the polling station quietly and peacefully.

Key Takeaways

✅ Mark only one candidate per ballot paper
✅ Use only a tick (✓) or cross (✗)
✅ Do not write your name or any other mark
✅ Match the ballot paper colour with the correct ballot box lid
✅ Ensure the ballot is stamped at the back before submission

Following these steps will help ensure your vote is counted correctly.

Pictorial Guide on How to Vote in Kenya

English

Kiswahili

How to mark ballot paper in Kenya

Source: https://www.iebc.or.ke/voting/?how