What you need to know about special votes this Election Day
If you can’t vote at your voting station on Election Day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station on the predetermined date only, as per the election timetable. You may also qualify for a home visit, depending on the circumstances.
DID you know that you can apply for a special vote if you’re unable to make it to a voting station on May 29?
If you are pregnant, infirm or have another disability that prevents you from visiting a voting station on Election Day, you are eligible for a special vote.
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You may also be eligible for a special vote for other reasons, such as if you are working on the official Election Day.
Special votes and home visits for this year’s general elections will take place on 27 and 28 May. The IEC says the closing date to apply for special votes is 3 May.
Durban resident Connie Smith is eager to place an X on her voting ballot on 29 May, all in the comfort of her home, after a stroke in 2006 has affected her walking. She is also unable to stand for long periods of time.
“This will be the second time I am voting at home. My first experience was extremely pleasant and everything was done discreetly and professionally,” she said.
The 73-year-old said she hopes the upcoming democratic election brings about change in terms of a lower crime rate, service delivery, job creation and the economy.
How to apply
To begin the online application for a special vote, visit the IEC website on https://www.elections.org.za/. Then navigate to the “Voters” tab and under the tab, click on “Apply for a special vote” in the middle column.
You can also apply by SMSing your identity number to 32249 at the cost of R1.00 per SMS). This applies to special votes at a voting station only.
You can also visit your local IEC office (not the national or provincial offices) and submit a MEC 35 form. Forms can only be hand-delivered (no emails or faxes accepted), but someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf.
Source: Independent Electoral Commission website
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