Today is the day to make your mark
Voters are urge to ensure their ballot papers are stamped the back when it is issued to them. If it is not, your vote is considered a spoil vote and does not count
HIGHVELD – It is all systems go for the national and provincial elections today, 8 May.
Millions of South African citizens are at the polls today to cast their votes for the party they want to represent them on national, as well as provincial level.
The voting kicked off on Monday with officials from the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) and party representatives visiting residents who applied for special voting privileges in the voting districts within the municipality. These special votes make provision for the disabled, aged and immobile citizens.
Muslim citizens are also beginning with Ramadan and were allowed to ask for special voting privilege.
According to Ms Ciska Jordaan, DA representative and caucus leader, all was running smoothly in the Govan Mbeki municipal area as few voters cast their special votes.
She expects a multitude of people flocking to the polls today. She was optimistic on Monday for an election that will run smoothly and fairly.
The IEC recently announced that 48 parties will appear on the national ballot and the provincial ballot paper for Mpumalanga contains 28 parties from which to choose from.
National and provincial elections are two different elections to choose representatives to the National Assembly and Provincial Legislatures. Although they are different elections, they are held on the same day.
National Government makes and carries out laws and policies for the whole country.
The provincial legislature makes and carries out laws and policies that affect the province only.
Millions of citizens are expected to vote today, although a massive portion of the population never make it to the polls on election day.
Things that voters should know:
• If you are not in the area of the voting station you are registered at, you can still vote at any other voting station.
• You can vote for both provincial and national, providing you are in the same province you are registered in.
• If you are not, you will only be able cast your vote for the national government.
• Voters are urged to ensure their ballot papers are stamped the back when it is issued to them. If it is not, your vote is considered a spoil vote and does not count.
• Voters will be allowed to draw their cross only if they have an ID document, a temporary ID or an ID card. Home Affairs have extended their hours on Wednesday to accommodate voters.
• If your correct address is not indicated on the voter’s roll, you will still be allowed to vote, but you will be asked to first complete an addition form to update your details. You do not need to take along your proof of residence.
• Voting stations are open from 7am to 9pm.
If you are note sure if you are registered or where you are registered, send your ID number to 32810.
SMS cost R1.50 each.
