With South Africa’s local government elections set for November 4, registered voters who may not be able to vote on election day can now apply for a special vote.
The Electoral Commission of South Africa (IEC) opened applications on Monday, September 21, giving eligible voters the option to cast their ballots before election day, or to apply for a home visit, depending on their circumstances.
IEC Chief Electoral Officer Sy Mamabolo said applications would remain open until 5pm on October 12.
What is a special vote?
A special vote allows registered voters who cannot vote at their voting station on election day to cast their ballots before November 4 or, in some cases, receive a visit from IEC officials at home.
The process is intended for voters who meet the requirements set by the IEC and cannot vote at their registered voting station on election day
Who can apply for a special vote?
Voters who are physically unable to travel to their voting station can apply for a home visit from IEC officials.
Voters who can travel but will not be able to vote on November 4 can apply to cast their ballots at their registered voting station on November 2 or 3.
The IEC also allows registered voters who will be outside their voting district on election day because of qualifying circumstances, including essential work, to apply for a special vote.
How can voters apply?
Voters can apply online through the IEC’s platforms or at their local IEC office.
Before applying, voters should check that their registration details are correct.
To check their registration and voting-station details, voters can send their ID number by SMS to 32810.
For information about voting-station special votes, voters can send their ID number by SMS to 32249.
The IEC call centre is available on 0800 11 8000, while voters can also contact the commission through WhatsApp on 0600 880 000.
When will special votes take place?
Approved special votes will take place on November 2 and 3, before the November 4 election.
Final preparations for the election
The opening of special-vote applications comes as the IEC moves ahead with its preparations for the November 4 local government elections.
The commission has completed the publication of the final candidate lists, with 136,790 candidates cleared to contest seats across South Africa’s eight metropolitan municipalities, 44 district municipalities and 205 local municipalities.
The IEC is also due to hold the ballot-paper draw and the signing of the Electoral Code of Conduct on September 23, while successful candidates are scheduled to receive their certificates on September 25.
Mamabolo said the commission was satisfied with the progress of the electoral timetable, with key activities either completed or on track as preparations continue for election day.
