Electoral Commission announces dates for national voter registration weekend
The facility was introduced in 2018 and has been used by over 350 000 voters to update their details.
The Electoral Commission (IEC) is pleased to announce the national voter registration weekend ahead of the upcoming Local Government Elections (LGE) will be held on July 17 and 18.
Over this weekend, all 23 146 voting stations around the country will open from 8am to 5pm to assist new voters to register and existing voters to check and, where necessary, update their registration details.
In the lead-up to this weekend, IEC will embark on a nationwide voter education and awareness campaign to encourage all eligible voters to make sure they are ready to participate in the elections scheduled to be held on October 27.
ALSO READ:
South Africa votes against internet freedom
This campaign will span a variety of multimedia platforms, including television, radio, outdoor and digital media, with targeted interventions aimed specifically at young, first-time voters. These will include registration initiatives at schools, tertiary education campuses and other opportunities.
Voters are reminded that for this election weekend is the only general voter registration opportunity for voters to register and check their registration at their voting stations. However, ongoing voter registration will continue during working hours at local IEC offices until the proclamation of the elections.
In addition, registered voters will still be able to amend their registration details through the “Click, Check, Confirm” functionality on the IEC website.
The facility was introduced in 2018 and has been used by over 350 000 voters to update their details.
To register as a voter, you must be at least 16 years old, a South African citizen and in possession of a valid South African ID document – either a green barcoded ID book or a smartcard ID.
Voters are reminded they must be registered at a voting station in the ward in which they are ordinarily resident and must provide an address or detailed description of a place of residence. However, proof of address (e.g. in the form of a utilities account) is not required for registration.
Voters visiting a voting station in person to register or update their details are reminded they must wear a mask or appropriate face covering and observe social distancing. Sanitising facilities, as well as stationery, will be provided at each voting station.
Voters wishing to bring their own pen are encouraged to do so, even though pens will be provided and sanitised routinely.
Eligible voters can find out more about where, when and how to register by visiting the IEC website.
From June the LGE 2021 Contact Centre (0800 11 8000) will also be available to assist voters via phone and email (info@elections.org.za).
Voters will also be assisted on the IEC Facebook and Twitter pages (@IECSouthAfrica). Existing voters can check their current registration details on the website or by SMSing their ID number to 32810 (cost R1).
IEC urges eligible voters, especially first-time voters, to make use of the one-and-only registration weekend or the online portal to prepare to vote in October.
Voters who have moved house since the last election as well as those with incorrect, incomplete, or missing addresses are especially urged to update their details.
IEC also call upon all political parties, candidates, civil society organisations, the media, business and labour organisations, faith-based organisations and all other stakeholders to come together to encourage voter registration and participation among their staff, clientele, customers and followers.
