Voting facts- what you need to know

Voting stations will be open from 7am to 9pm on 7 May. If a voter is in the queue at their voting station by 9pm, that voter will be able to vote.

No firearms or weapons are allowed within the voting station.

Voters may wear party gear within the voting station, but party agents are not allowed to do so.

No one at a voting station has a right to see a voter’s marked ballot paper.

Voters are not required to divulge who they are voting for.

Voters must produce their green bar-coded South African ID book, smart ID card or a temporary identification certificate in order to vote – no copies will be accepted.

The voter’s name must be marked off the voters’ roll, their ID will be stamped on the second page and their thumbnail will be inked.

Voters will be given two ballot papers – one for the national election and one for the provincial election.

Ensure that the back of the ballot paper received is stamped.

A voter is only permitted one vote per ballot paper.

Voters are encouraged to indicate their vote by marking an ‘X’ in the block next to the party of their choice.

However, as long as there is a clear indication of the chosen party by a single mark on the ballot paper, it will be accepted.

Do not write any additional comments on the ballot as this may deem the ballot ‘spoiled’.

If a voter incorrectly marks a ballot paper, do not scratch it out and remark the ballot.

If a mistake is made on a ballot and the voter realises this before placing it in the ballot box, a new ballot paper can be requested from the presiding officer. But ensure that the incorrect ballot paper is marked as ‘cancelled’.

Once the ballot has been placed in the ballot box, it cannot be removed.

If a voter is physically disabled or visually impaired, someone such as a family member or the presiding officer can help assist at the voting station. But an observer and, if possible, two agents from different parties must be present.