Voters who won’t be in the location where they are registered to vote on voting day have less than 17 days to notify the Electoral Commission of their intention to vote elsewhere. Although it’s required to vote in the voting station where you’re registered, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has put measures in place to accommodate voters who are not in their registered voting city on voting day, Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

 

Moses Pitso, the IEC’s Head of Outreach and Communication, says those who won’t be in their registered location on voting day should apply to vote at the voting district closer to where they will be. 

“In line with Section 23 of the Electoral Act, they must inform the IEC between 15 March and 17 May if they wish to vote elsewhere in the country. If they are within the province, they will get all three ballot papers. If outside of the province, they will get only the National/Compensatory ballot paper,” says Pitso.

The Section 24A form may be accessed online on the IEC website. When completing the form voters should inform the Electoral Commission in which district they would like to vote on voting day. By capturing the address where you will be, the system will identify the relevant voting district.

Those unable to travel to their voting station on election day can apply for a special vote. By law, you can apply for a special vote if you are physically infirm, disabled, pregnant, or can’t vote at your voting station. To apply for a special vote, which will take place on Monday 27 May 2024 and Tuesday 28, 2024, you must be a South African citizen, a registered voter, and at least 18 years old on voting day. 

“Applications for special votes opened on 15 April and will close on 3 May. On both days, voting stations will open for those who have applied to vote at voting stations. Home visits will also be undertaken to assist the infirmed to vote at home or in hospital. Application can be made online, at the IEC offices, via fax or they could send another person to apply on their behalf,” Pitso explains.

“Special voting times are 9am to 5pm. Both home visits and voting station visits will be administered on both days. On election day 29 May, voting stations will open from 7am until 9pm,” he adds. If you would like to know more, visit www.elections.org.za and click on voter education.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi

30/04/2024

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