DURBAN residents join the rest of the country in heading for the polls on Wednesday, 3 August for local government elections. In recent weeks a lot has been said, written about, opinions expressed, crimes committed, threats veiled and otherwise made in efforts by political parties and pundits to score points and ultimately votes.
The power is in your hands. Each and every vote, no matter who you vote for, is part and parcel of the democracy South Africans fought long and hard to achieve. It deserves respect, it deserves consideration and it deserves your time and effort. A spoiled vote says nothing, achieves nothing and is a wasted opportunity. A spoiled vote does not have a voice, no matter how many people would argue otherwise, it does not count and it does not contribute to a better society.
So tomorrow, when you’re standing in the queues at your respective voting stations bear in mind that this is your opportunity to have your voice heard. Don’t waste your vote, do be patient and heed the advice of IEC officials, don’t take selfies with your ballot paper or photograph your ballot paper and please make sure that your ballot paper has the IEC stamp on the back. If not, it will be declared a spoilt vote. Call an official over if your ballot paper is not stamped and ask for a new one.
Here’s wishing you all a trouble free, productive day at the polls.
