INKING PROCEDURES
From the 1999 Legislative and Presidential Elections in Nigeria (IFES)
'The poll official will mark the base of the nail and the cuticle of the left thumb (National
Assembly election day) of the voter with indelible ink. (The right thumb on Presidential election
day).'
The Poll Clerk will put the indelible ink on the left-hand thumbnail of each voter who has been
issued with ballots.
The Poll Clerk should check the voter's left thumbnail for any sign of ink, which would
indicate that the voter has already cast a ballot.
The Poll Clerk should wipe off any greasy substance on the voter's left thumb before
applying the ink.
The indelible ink should be applied using the small stick attached to the cap of the ink
bottle. (This can be done with the help of an unused matchstick if the need arises.)
The indelible ink should be applied to that place on the left thumb where the nail meets the
cuticle (at the bases of the nail).
For voters who do no have a left thumb, the ink may be applied on the next closest finger
on the left hand.
The voter should not leave the table until the ink has dried.
From the 2000 Municipal and Legislative Elections in Haiti (IFES)
A voter must not cast 2 ballots. That is why he will be asked to ink his finger. He who refuses
to ink his finger will not have his electoral card returned once he has cast his ballot.
The vice president who is responsible of the inking procedures will shake the bottle before
opening it. He will shake it every 30 minutes so that the ink keeps its stain
quality all day long.
The vice president will ask that the voter, immediately after casting his ballot, to dip his right
thumbnail to the base of the nail so that the whole nail is inked.
The vice president will ask the voter to let the ink dry on this thumb.
From the 2000 Municipal Elections in Bosnia/Herzegovina (OSCE)
Ultra Violet Light
The PS Kit will include an ultra violet light that shall be used to illuminate the fingers of voters
to see if there is evidence of the special ink, which would indicate that the person has already
voted. The Polling Station Commissioner has to ensure that the ultra violet light is
functioning and that the spare batteries from the Polling Station Kit are available. A diagram
for fitting the batteries in inside the battery compartment.
Ink Applicator
The Ink Applicator contains a mild solution of silver nitrate. This chemical reflects UV light.
It is non-toxic and not harmful, unless swallowed. The Ink Applicator is a pump spray bottle.
The spray should be aimed at the nail of the right index finger. Silver nitrate is absorbed into
the skin at the top of the nail (cuticle) and will remain there for at least 7 days. It can not be
removed from the cuticle by washing. The silver nitrate is best seen when viewed in a
darkened area.
The Queue Controller will check the voters' fingers for ink stain. If invisible ink is detected,
the person may not vote and must be instructed to leave the Polling Station. Incidents should
be entered in the Poll Book.
The Ballot Issuer applies the ink to the voter's right index finger at the base of the nail. (If the
voter has no right index finger, the next available finger should be inked following the
sequence: thumb, finger 3, 4, and 5. If the voter has no right hand, use the same sequence on
the left hand. If the voter has no fingers, the ink requirement is waived. A voter who does
not permit her/his finger to be stained relinquishes her/his right to vote). Instruct the voter to
hold the finger up until the ink dries. This will take about 30 seconds. The Ballot Issuer issues
then the ballot paper.
From the 2000 Municipal Elections in Kosovo (OSCE)
Same description of the UV lamp and the ink applicator as in the Bosnia Manual
Same steps in the ink application by the Ballot Issuer. The ink as applied before the ballot
paper is issued to the voter.
'If the voter refuses to allow the Ballot Issuer to spray her/her fingernail, s/he will be advised
that s/he cannot vote and will be asked to leave the Polling Station. If the voter does not
change her/his mind, the Ballot Issuer will ask the Chairperson to note the fact in the Poll
Book and to annotate the FVL with the words 'No ballot' against her/his signature.
