Elections: You have until May 3 to apply for special votes
A person is considered a special voter when he or she is unable to travel to a voting station because they are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or prove that they cannot vote at their voting station on election day.
POLOKWANE – Applications from special citizens to request the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) to have their votes cast in the general election a day or two before the official date of May 29, are open until May 3.
A person is considered a special voter when he or she is unable to travel to a voting station because they are physically infirm, disabled or pregnant, or prove that they cannot vote at their voting station on election day.
Provincial electoral officer in Limpopo, Nkaro Mateta said those residing in Polokwane may also request to file applications at the commission’s offices in Bendor, located near the Auditor-General’s office. An option to apply online is available at: https://www.elections.org.za/pw/Voter/Online-Application-Forms.
Mateta spoke during a ceremony held at Bolivia Lodge last Wednesday, when 40 provincial and regional parties along with seven independent candidates pledged to abide by the ethics and conduct expected by the IEC in order to run free and fair elections.
“Special voting days are set for May 27 and 28, and if you cannot vote at your voting station on election day, you can apply to cast a special vote at your voting station only, as per the election timetable by SMSing your identity number to 32249 (R1 per SMS),” she explained.
Someone else can deliver your completed form on your behalf, she added.
The IEC in the province confirmed that there are five independent candidates vying for regional, and two in the provincial ballot after having successfully submitted their nominations.
Mateta said voting stations in the province have been increased to more than 3 200 in the interest of those in areas without a school or public infrastructure.
“In the rural areas, there are 151 temporary sites where physical infrastructure is not available and temporary amenities are in the procurement stage,” she confirmed.
