The voting station at Hoërskool Die Anker was quiet this morning (November 3) as special votes were being cast before the Local Government Elections tomorrow.

Any registered South African voter who cannot cast their ballot at their designated voting station on Election Day may apply for a special vote, including the elderly, those who suffer from medical conditions or those who work in essential services.

Captain Pieter Booysen from the Brakpan SAPS Crime Information Management and Analysis Centre applied for special vote due to his work as a police officer.

Upon arrival at the voting station, however, he learned that his name is not on the special voting roll.He described the situation as frustrating and not ideal, as all hands are needed on deck by SAPS for the elections.

Scholar transport driver Johanna Olivier was able to cast her special vote, for which she is thankful.

“This election to me means a better future for South Africa. I’m very grateful for the opportunity to cast a special vote, as I have to transport school children every day,” she said.