How to Register as a Voter in Kenya

This article explains How to Register as a Voter in Kenya. Voting is a method by which a group, such as a meeting or an electorate, can convene together for the purpose of making a collective decision or expressing an opinion usually following discussions, debates or election campaigns. Democracies elect holders of high office by voting. Residents of a jurisdiction represented by an elected official are called “constituents,” and the constituents who choose to cast a ballot for their chosen candidate are called “voters”. There are different systems for collecting votes, but while many of the systems used in decision-making can also be used as electoral systems, any which cater for proportional representation can only be used in elections.

In smaller organizations, voting can occur in many different ways. Formally via ballot to elect others for example within a workplace, to elect members of political associations or to choose roles for others. Informally voting could occur as a spoken agreement or as a verbal gesture like a raised hand or electronically.

1. How do you register as a voter?

• An eligible voter must present himself or herself to the registration officer with his/her original identification documents at the designated registration centre during working hours.
• The applicant fills the Application for Registration form (Form A)
• Registered voters will be issued with a registration acknowledgement slip bearing the voter′s details.
• However, this slip will not be a requirement for voting.

2. When can someone be denied registration?

• When you are under 18 years of age
• When you are not in possession of the original ID card or a valid Kenyan passport
• When one is un-discharged bankrupt
• When you have been found guilty by an election court or reported to be guilty of any election offence during the preceding five years.
• If a competent court declares you to be of unsound mind

3. Is an eligible voter allowed to register more than once?

No! A person is only allowed to register once as a voter in a constituency or registration centre of his or her choice. It is an offence to register more than once.

4. What is the penalty of registering more than once?

Persons who have registered more than once are liable on conviction, to a fine not exceeding one hundred thousand Kenya shillings or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or both. Such persons shall be barred from participating in the immediate election and the next that follows.

5. Can a person transfer as a voter to another registration centre or constituency?

YES! A person may transfer as a voter to another registration centre of his or her choice within the registration period.

Why Register as a Voter in Kenya?

• It gives you an opportunity to vote and elect leaders of your choice.
• It allows you to vie for any elective position
• It allows you to propose or second your preferred candidate for nomination
• It gives you the right to nominate candidates for elections
• It gives you moral authority to hold leaders accountable