The 8 steps you will have to follow on election day
Political party representatives and independent observers are present throughout the voting and counting process
1. You need to vote at the voting station where you are registered to vote. Most voting stations are located in community buildings like local schools, churches or community centres.
2. Present your valid identification document (green barcoded ID book, smart-card ID or temporary ID certificate) to the door controller at the entrance of the voting station. The door controller will also tell you when it is your turn to enter the station and will advise where to go once inside.
3. Once inside the voting station, you will proceed to the voters’ roll table where election officials will take your ID and check for your name and identity number on the voters’ roll.
Your name will be crossed off and an election official will ink your left thumb nail. This is a special ink that will not wash off your nail for several days.
4. You will receive two ballot papers: one for a ward councillor and one for a party (metropolitan proportional representation). Each ballot paper has a unique number and you must make sure that there is a stamp at the back of your ballot papers to verify that they were issued to you on election day.
5. Get your identification documents stamped.
6. Find an empty voting booth. Here you will place your “X” in the box next to the political party and/or candidate of your choice. To avoid a spoilt ballot, ensure you make only one mark on each ballot paper and that your mark is clear.
If you make a mistake, call an election official and they will provide you with a new ballot paper. When you are finished, fold your ballot papers in half and leave the voting booth. Just a reminder, you are not allowed to photograph your marked ballot paper.
7. An election official stationed at the ballot box will check that there is a stamp at the back of each of your ballots. Having made your mark, drop your completed ballot paper through the slot in the top of the ballot box.
8. Ensuring voting is free and fair: after casting your vote, you will be directed to the exit. Remember that political party representatives and independent observers (both national and international) are present throughout the voting and counting process to observe the process and to ensure it is free and fair.
