This is a simple guide to voting on Sunday in the local government elections. We’re answering your question of, “How do I find my polling station?”

Text your CNIC to 8300

The Election Commission of Pakistan will respond automatically with this information:

Your electoral area, block code and serial number. It will look like this:

CNIC: 42301-4964XXX-X

Shumariati/Statistical Block Code: 440160404 (write this down for a later step)

Silisla/Series No: 226

Gharana/Household Number: 158

Intikhabi Ilaqa/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

However, some people complained that their polling station was not mentioned:

Yes, that’s why I got confused. I received this. pic.twitter.com/et2u9PfxGk

— Aqibb (@AqibRaothar7) January 12, 2023

How to find your polling station if it doesn’t show up in the text

It is slightly more complicated to then go to the ECP website to find your polling station.

After you text 8300 your CNIC, it will give you a clue as to your area: see in the screenshot below it says “Daftar Sharqi” and Shumariati Block Code or “Statistical Block Code”. You’ll use these two piece of information to find your polling station. So daftar sharqi would be District East.

Then go to the ECP website here: Lists of polling stations

It will open a Google Drive. Find Karachi East (or whichever district you are in). Download the .pdf.

When you open it, hit CTRL F and type in the Statistical Block Code. That will give you your polling station. So 440250906 yields:

Yes, we know it’s a bit complicated. But this is how it can be done.