Apply to vote outside SA during elections
With elections a few months away, residents are encouraged to notify the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) should they want to vote outside South Africa.
JOHANNESBURG – If you will be out of the country on Election Day, May 7, you can vote at a South African diplomatic mission outside South Africa on April 30.
Please note that, by law, it is not possible to vote abroad on any date other than April 30, and no exceptions can be made.
Who can apply?
In order to apply, you must be a South African citizen and a registered voter. Check your registration status online.
When can I notify the IEC?
Applications open on proclamation day, February 25, and close on March 12 at midnight (UTC+02:00).
How do I apply?
You can apply online on the IEC page from February 25 until midnight (UTC+02:00) on March 12.
What must I bring when I vote?
In order to vote, you must bring:
Your green, bar-coded ID book, smartcard ID or valid Temporary Identity Certificate and your valid South African passport or temporary passport.
If you have any queries, please call our call centre on 0800 11 8000 (+27 11 654 1000 for calls from outside South Africa) from 08h00 (UTC+02:00) to 17:00 (UTC+02:00).
Follow the IEC on social media to be notified when online applications are available:
Twitter: @iecsouthafrica
Facebook: www.facebook.com/iecsouthafrica
