Election day is here – Will you make your mark on the North Coast?

In an attempt to ensure smooth sailing at the dozens of voting stations across the North Coast, local SAPS and emergency services have upped their game as they prepare for the 2019 National Elections on Wednesday.

As thousands of SA citizens make their way to their voting stations, SAPS members will already be stationed and ready for action from as early as 3.30am, says Umhlali SAPS captain Vinny Pillay.

With 24 voting stations in the Umhlali SAPS cover area alone, Pillay said it will be a busy 24 hours as officers keep the peace on the busy day, starting at 3.30am on Wednesday until around 5am the following morning.

“We have about 80 officers who will be split up between the various voting stations,” said Pillay, who has already been hard at work since the start of special voting on Monday.

While it has been smooth sailing so far, Pillay said the special voting period has usually been trouble free in the past, however election day is when trouble can often start.

Also read: Elections 2019: What to do on voting day

Netcare 911’s Shawn Herbst also has his team ready for election day should anyone need immediate medical assistance.

“As in previous years, we have identified strategic voting points where the elderly will present themselves the most and stand by there, as most of the time it is the elderly who battle even though they are allowed to move to the front of the line,” said Herbst.

“Sunburn and dehydration always end up being the biggest issues.”

Election day survival kit

While local SAPS and emergency services are ready and prepped for the big day, so too should the voters.

Depending on where your voting station is based and what time you arrive, voters can often be faced with long queues and hours of waiting before casting their vote.

To make sure you’re prepared, we put together a check list for you:

• Pack water and snacks to keep you going. Wednesday’s weather forecast predicts high temperatures.
• Don’t forget your original ID (green book or smart card). You don’t want to be turned away after waiting in line.
• If your children are with you, make sure you have something to keep them occupied as it might be a long wait for them.
• Pack sunscreen and a hat.
• When you receive your ballot papers, make sure they have been stamped.
• Travel in numbers. Some voting stations may have parking limitations so rather get a group of friends or family members together and all go at once.

WIN!

Once you have voted, enter our #IMadeMyMark selfie competition on the Courier Facebook page by posting a picture of your marked thumb or a fun selfie with the hashtag #IMadeMyMark on the competition post.

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