The second phase of the long-awaited Sindh local government elections is finally set to take place in Hyderabad and Karachi on January 15 after multiple delays and court battles.

If you are planning to vote for the first time, this guide may help you.

Here is how you can vote for the local government elections in Karachi and Hyderabad.

Step 1: Check your registration and polling station

There are two ways to get this information:

The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) in collaboration with NADRA provides an SMS service for the public so eligible voters can check their registration status.

Enter your CNIC number and send a text message to 8300.

You will get an automated response that will give you your electoral area, block code and serial number. It will look like this:

• 42301-4964XXX-X
• Statistical Block Code: 440160404
• Series No: 226
• Household Number: 158
• Constituency: Sindhi Muslim Housing Society/KFC Bawani Junction/Nasla Tower, Circle No. 4, Sub Division Ferozeabad, Karachi East
• Polling Station: Gulistan Shah Latif Girls Secondary School SMCHS Block-A (Combined) NA-245

Office Karachi East : 021-99231029 Helpline Number: 0518848888 Website: ecp.gov.pk/erolls

B) If you are registered to vote you can check your details at your District Election Commissioner office, where the final electoral roll is available. The electoral roll is a list of voters registered in your neighbourhood or constituency.

The addresses or contact information of the DEC’s offices across the four provinces can be found on the Election Commissions website at: https://www.ecp.gov.pk/

Step 2: Traveling to the polling station

Once you’ve found your polling station check the timings at your polling station. It is better to reach it earlier in the morning so that you can cast your vote without any hassle.

Step 3: Show your CNIC to officers outside the polling station

You will be allowed to vote only if you are carrying your original CNIC, even if it is expired,

The polling staff will not accept any other form of identification.

Show your CNIC to the officers outside the polling station and you will be given a slip.

Step 4: Crossing your name off the voter list

Once you are inside the polling station, the Presiding Officer will see your CNIC and cross your name off the voter list, also known as the voter roll. This will mean that no one else will be able to fake your vote.

Step 5: Thumb impression

The officer will take your thumb impression on a counterfoil of the ballot paper. Then they will mark your thumb with indelible ink.

Step 6: Camp officer signs ballot papers

Once your thumb has been marked, you will be provided with ballot papers.

The assistant presiding officer will stamp the ballot paper and sign it.

Make sure this process happens in front of you.

Step 7: Voting for a candidate

You go into a polling booth where you can stamp the ballot paper on the candidate of choice.

Make sure your hands are clean, there is no window near the booth or banner of any political party.

Step 8: Dropping the completed ballot paper in the ballot box

After stamping the ballot paper, fold your papers and drop them in the boxes, which will be placed in the middle of the polling station.

Step 9: You’re done!

Remember that citizens are not allowed to carry mobile phones and cameras inside the polling stations.