Only one weekend set aside for voter registration ahead of 2021 local elections

While voters are expected to head to the polls in October for the local government elections, the electoral commission has marked the 17-18 July weekend for voter registration.

The registration period gives an opportunity for first-time voters to register to vote and existing voters to update their registration details at local voting stations.

Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo said registration was important for people who would like to participate in the upcoming government elections to sort out the administration part of the process.

“We urge all South Africans who are not registered to take advantage of this opportunity as it is the only opportunity where the commission will be going into communities,” he said.

“This is, in addition, an opportunity for those who are registered to confirm their details, especially their address details. In local government elections, an address assumes heightened importance because of its relevance to the ward which represents a political boundary.”

The registration would also be an opportunity for voters who have moved places of stay since the last election as well as those with incorrect, incomplete or missing addresses to update their details.

In a statement on Wednesday, the commission spokesperson Kate Bapela said during the voter registration weekend voting stations would be open from 08:00 to 17:00.

While17-18 July would remain the only opportunity for voters to register and check their registration at their local stations, residents could visit the IEC offices for registrations until the elections.

“In addition, registered voters will still be able to amend their registration details through the ‘click, check, confirm’ functionality on the website of the electoral commission,” she said.

According to the commission to register as a voter, one must be at least 16 years old, a South African citizen and in possession of a valid South African ID document – either a green barcoded ID book or a smartcard ID.

As voting will take place under the Covid-19 outbreak, Bapela urged voters visiting the station to wear a mask and observe social distancing.

“Hand sanitising facilities, as well as stationery, will be provided at each voting station.”

The commission was expected to also carry out education campaigns at schools and tertiary institutions as it aims to register young voters.

“In the lead-up to this weekend, the electoral commission will embark on nationwide voter education and awareness campaign to encourage all eligible voters to participate in the elections scheduled to be held on 27 October.

“This campaign will span a variety of multimedia platforms including television, radio, outdoor and digital media along with targeted interventions aimed specifically at young, first-time voters.”

The commission urged eligible voters to find out more about where, when and how to register by visiting the commission’s website at www.elections.org.za.

LISTEN: 

Get ready to register on 17-18 July. Voting stations countrywide will open 8am-5pm for new voters to register & existing voters to check/update their registration info. To register, you must be at least 16, be an 🇿🇦 citizen, & have an 🇿🇦 ID. https://t.co/2p9PsLQVVJ pic.twitter.com/nbQ3fh3H34

— IEC South Africa (@IECSouthAfrica) May 12, 2021

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