What you need to know before you vote on November 4
Be prepared for Local Government Elections. Carry your valid ID, know where to vote, and remember special votes happen on November 2 and 3.
With the Local Government Elections set for November 4, here is what voters can do to get ready to cast their vote.
Only South African citizens who are 18 years or older and registered in the municipality where they live will be allowed to vote. Voters can only vote where they are registered and must do so in person, as no online voting is allowed.
Also read: Elections 2024: First-time voter ready to make his mark
Voters must bring their green barcoded ID book, smart ID card or temporary ID certificate to the voting station. Stations will be open from 07:00 to 21:00 on Election Day.
Unlike national elections, the November polls are not for electing the President. Voters will elect local councillors responsible for service delivery, including water, electricity, roads and refuse removal. Most voters will receive up to three ballots: Ward, Proportional Representation (PR) and District for those living outside metros.
Mobile voting stations
Mobile voting stations are used in voting districts where small populations are spread across large geographical areas. Just like permanent voting stations, they follow the same procedures to ensure a properly managed voting process at every stop. Throughout Election Day, these stations visit designated points at specific times. The stopping points and schedules are published in the Government Gazette and communicated through local community media ahead of Election Day.
There is also a warning against election disinformation. A new law, the Code of Conduct Countering Disinformation, which was gazetted on September 4, makes it an offence for political parties and candidates to spread fake election news. Citizens who encounter suspected fake news can report it on https://Real411.org.za or via the Real411 App.
The Electoral Commission’s (IEC) Chief Electoral Officer, Sy Mamabolo, said the partnership is important because it gives the Commission direct access to online platforms and a better chance to fight fake news.
“Our partnership with digital platforms is critical to ensuring that voters have access to credible, accurate and trustworthy information to make informed political choices. A technically flawless election can still lose public trust if citizens are overwhelmed by disinformation. Therefore, the partnership eliminates barriers to direct access to the platforms and enables instantaneous remedial action against disinformation peddlers,” Mamabolo said.
Special Voting ensures that every eligible voter has the opportunity to participate. If you registered for a special vote, remember that you can will cast your vote on 2 and 3 November.
To check registration and voting station details, voters can visit the IEC website elections.org.za or dial – *120*432#.
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