Voter Registration: Your Step‑by‑Step Guide

When talking about voter registration, the process of adding your name to the official list of eligible voters. Also known as voter enrolment, it’s the first move anyone makes toward taking part in elections. Electoral roll, the compiled record of all registered voters in a jurisdiction depends on each person completing this step, and the roll in turn powers every voting event.

To get onto the roll you’ll need identification documents, a valid ID such as a national ID, passport, or driver’s licence that proves your age and citizenship. Those papers act as proof that you meet the legal criteria, and they are the primary requirement that links an individual to the electoral roll. Meanwhile, civic education, programs that explain voting rights, the registration process, and the impact of voting helps people understand why registering matters, boosting registration rates and ensuring more voices are heard at the ballot box.

What Happens After You Register?

Once you’re on the roll, you’ll receive a voter card or an online confirmation that points you to your nearest polling station, the designated place where you cast your vote on election day. On the day, officials will cross‑check your name against the electoral roll, using the ID you supplied to confirm identity. This verification step prevents fraud and keeps the vote fair. If you move or change your name, updating the roll ensures you stay eligible, so keep an eye on any reminders from your election commission.

In short, voter registration is the gateway to democratic participation. It links your personal ID to the electoral roll, is reinforced by civic education, and ends at a polling station where your vote counts. Below you’ll find a collection of articles that break down each part of the process, share real‑world tips, and answer common questions – everything you need to register, stay registered, and vote with confidence.

IEBC launches drive to add 6.3 m voters, aiming for 28.5 m by 2027

IEBC launches a Sh8 bn continuous voter registration drive on 29 Sept 2025, aiming to add 6.3 m new voters and reach 28.5 m by the 2027 election, with new biometric tech and a youth focus.