Last chance to register

After the first weekend (5 and 6 March) for registrations for the upcoming municipal elections past, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) scheduled another registration weekend before the elections takes place.

The second and final registration weekend for the 2016 Municipal Elections will be on 9 and 10 April. Voting stations will be open nationwide for registration from 8am to 5pm on both days.

Here are a few handy questions about the registrations you might want to know, answered by the IEC:

• What proof do I get that I have registered?

A receipt is pasted in your ID book.

• I registered for a previous election, do I have to register again?

No, you only have to re-register if your address, personal details or voting district has changed.

• I have my old blue ID, drivers’ licence or passport. Can I register with it?

No, for the purposes of voter registration, only green, bar-coded South African ID books and temporary identity certificates are valid.

• Will election day be a public holiday?

This decision is made by the President in consultation with the Minister of Home Affairs, not by the IEC. However, if election day is a public holiday, the election timetable will say so.

• I have registered, but I don’t want to vote. Will anything happen to me if I don’t vote?

No, voting is not compulsory in South Africa, however voting is an important civic duty and we encourage all South Africans to participate.

• Can I vote if I’m in hospital?

If you’re bedridden or in hospital and can’t get to your voting station on Election Day for National and Provincial elections, you can apply for a special vote. You can contact the IEC on 0800 11 8000 with your election queries.

The contact center is open Monday to Friday, from 7am to 9pm.

Also read:

• How to register / re-register for the 2016 Municipal Elections

• Register: some wards changed this year

• Smooth sailing at registration booths