Councillor answers frequently asked election questions

The South African national and provincial government elections 2019 (NGE2019) have been proclaimed for Wednesday, 8 May, and as there are always frequently asked questions. Ward 97 councillor Andre Beetge assists with some answers.

Is it too later to register? 

Unfortunately yes, as the voters roll is now closed and those who did not register will now not be able to exercise their democratic right to decide who they feel is best positioned to govern them and the country.

I was registered but I don’t know if I’m still registered?

You can SMS your ID number (only the number) to 32810 at a cost of R1 per SMS and you will receive an electronic response to confirm if and where you are registered, or visit the website at www.election.org.za and type in your ID number to confirm registration status.

I previously registered and voted in another province but I have since moved – does that mean I can’t vote?

No it does not mean that you won’t be able to vote. The 2019 elections are national and provincial elections, which means you can vote anywhere in South Africa, provided you are registered and appear on the voters roll somewhere in the country. If you are anywhere within the same province where you are registered, you will receive both a provincial and national ballot. If, however you are outside the border of the province where you are registered but still within the borders of South Africa, you will still receive a national ballot.

I lost my ID, can I use my passport or driver’s licence to vote?

No you cannot use a passport or driver’s license to vote – only the bar-coded green ID book or the new smart ID card, or a valid temporary ID issued by the Department of Home Affairs.

I lost my ID but I have a photostat copy – can I use that to vote?

No you cannot use a copy of your ID or smart card to vote, it has to be the original. If your ID has been stolen, apply for a temporary from your nearest home affairs office in time to on 8 May.

My ID is in my maiden name, but I have since gotten married and I forgot to change it – does this mean I can’t vote?

No, as the system is set up to recognise your ID number. It is, however recommended that you take your marriage certificate along just in case an IEC official disputes the identity of the bearer. It is important to note that it is the responsibility of the citizen to ensure that your ID is updated and replaced with a new one if the photograph no longer meets the likeness of the bearer.

I only have the green ID book and they say you must have the new ID card. Can I still vote?

The green bar-coded ID book is valid, as is a valid temporary ID.

I’m a nurse and I’ll be working on that day – does that mean I can’t vote?

Not at all. You can apply for a special vote by ticking the appropriate category to indicate that you will not be available on 8 May. The form needs to be handed in to the IEC between 4 and 18 April, which will then allow you to vote on either Monday or Tuesday 6 and 7 May at the voting station that you indicated on the form. It is important to note that you will only be able to vote at the voting station where you applied, as your name will reflect on that voting stations special voters list.

My wife is bedridden and I have to look after her – how can I vote and what about her?

The IEC will conduct home visits to those individuals who apply timely between 4 and 18 April for a special vote due to physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy. The IEC encourages caregivers of such persons to likewise apply for a special vote to be administered at home and at the same time, thus alleviating the need to seek someone to assist or to leave the person alone while the caregiver goes to vote – apply during the same time with the same address.

I’m going to visit my children in Johannesburg that week – does that mean I can’t vote?

No. You can vote anywhere in South Africa, provided you are registered and appear on the voters roll somewhere in the country. If you are outside the border of the province where you are registered but within the borders of South Africa, you will still receive a national ballot at the place you are visiting, so ensure you take your ID along.

We are leaving on a boat cruise on 4 May and only returning the week after the elections – can I do a special vote or a postal vote?

Unfortunately you can’t as there are no such thing as a postal vote and special votes can only be done on the two days immediately before the actual election date.

We will be in Australia for two weeks – will we be able to vote there?

If you applied timely to vote in Australia then yes, but if you hadn’t that window is now closed.

They always mark your thumb with that horrible black ink but I cut my finger off with a powersaw – does that mean I can’t vote?

No. They will mark the thumb on your other hand. If you’ve lost the entire hand, they mark on the fingers of your other hand.

READ ALSO: What does the IEC do?

I know who I would like to vote for but I’m blind – does that mean I can’t vote?

Voters with disabilities or special needs may ask for assistance from a companion to mark their ballot paper(s). Such a companion must be eighteen (18) years or older, not a party agent, candidate or observer. No witnesses (party agents, candidates or observers) are necessary when a companion assists a voter. The presiding officer must remind the companion that she or he is not allowed to disclose any information that may compromise the secrecy of the vote cast by the voter. If a voter has no companion, then the voting official or presiding officer may provide help. This should be done in the presence of two party agents from different parties and one accredited observer, if available. Where such witnesses are not available, assistance can be rendered in their absence.

What is a special vote and who can apply for it?

There are essentially three types of special votes:

1. Those suffering physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy and who would find it difficult or unable to travel to a voting station could apply for a home visit and vote in the privacy and comfort of their home, institution or hospital bed.

2. An officer serving in the election or a member of the security services who will be on duty on election day, thus depriving the person an opportunity to cast a vote on the day will be afforded opportunity to apply and vote on either the prior Monday or Tuesday.

3. Any person who will for whatever reason be absent from the voting station where they are registered for the day and who wishes to cast their vote on either of the two days prior to the actual election day, can apply for such a special vote.

What is a home visit and who can apply for it?

Those suffering physical infirmary, disability or pregnancy and who would find it difficult or who are unable to travel to a voting station can apply for a home visit. This includes senior citizens who might find the queues challenging, as well as caregivers, nurses and others tasked with their care or well-being.

Where do I get an application form for a special vote?

The IEC office at the Sizakala Centre in Gracedale Road, Winklespruit, the IEC website or Cllr Beetge.

READ ALSO: FAQs about registering to vote ahead of 2019 election

We have to work – how can the government expect us to go and stand in long queues to vote?

The government gives you the day off as a public holiday, so that there are no excuses not to exercise your democratic right to vote.

I’m registered at Amanzimtoti Civic Centre but the queue is always so long – can I go and vote somewhere else?

Yes, you can vote anywhere but it is always advisable to rather vote at the station where you are registered because they will immediately pick you up on the local roll, and it eliminates confusion for the next local government election in 2021 when you can only vote at the station where you are registered and it should be the one closest to home.

There was all this talk about addresses and I didn’t go to have my address recorded – does that mean I can’t vote?

No, you can vote anywhere in the province or country, but it’s advisable to vote at your local voting station even if they don’t have your address on record yet. If unsure which voting station, SMS your ID to 32810.

What time will the voting station open and close?

7am to 9pm but don’t wait until the last minute.

Can I take my husband’s ID and our marriage certificate and vote on his behalf?

No, the bearer of the ID has to be physically present to exercise their own vote.

I’m not a South African citizen but I’ve live here for many years and I even voted in 1994 – can I vote in 2019?

No.

That Cllr Andre Beetge is such a handsome devil, I’m just going to look for his name and make my mark next to it.

In the 2019 election it’s not about the person, but instead about the party that has the best plan for South Africa. On 8 May every person’s vote carries equal weight – use yours wisely.

Where do I find the voting stations in the larger Amanzimtoti area?

* Warner Beach Junior Primary, Harcombe Road
* Lions Club opposite the library in Hall Road, Warner Beach
* Doon Heights Primary School, Longacres Drive
* Amanzimntoti Civic Centre, Hutchison Road
* Kuswag Skool, Kuswag Road
* Athlone Park library, Warner Road, Athlone Park
* Umbogintwini Primary School, Prince Street.

For more information or to apply for a special vote, call Cllr Beetge on 082-718-8137, Monday to Friday from 8am to 3pm, or Mark Russel on 083-637-0736.