In order to be an eligible voter, take note that stations will be open from 8am to 5pm over the weekend of Saturday, March 5 and Sunday, March 6, for new voters to register.
This will also be an opportunity for existing voters to update and check their registration details ahead of this year’s municipal elections.
The dates for the voter registration weekend were announced at the official launch of the 2016 Municipal Elections, at the Gallagher Convention Centre, in Midrand, on January 14.
IEC spokesperson Kate Bapela said the date of the election itself will be known only later this year, when it is proclaimed by the Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), David van Rooyen.
“In terms of the constitution, the municipal elections must take place between May 18 and August 16, 2016 – the 90-day window provided at the conclusion of the five-year term of office of municipal councillors elected in 2011 and in any subsequent by-elections,” said Bapela.
For now, the Electoral Commission is urging all participants, including eligible voters, political parties and their candidates, as well as any independent candidates, to ensure they are ready to participate in the elections.
Finding your correct voting station
All eligible voters (South African citizens aged 18 or older) should ensure they are registered in the correct voting district where they ordinarily reside.
Unlike national and provincial elections, voting in a municipal election is allowed only at the voting district in which you are registered to vote. There are a number of ways voters can find their correct voting station:
*Call the Electoral Commission Contact Centre on 0800 11 8000 FREE, between 7am and 9pm on weekdays.
For the first time the contact centre agents will also be available (from Monday, January 18) to assist voters via webchat (www.elections.org.za), Twitter (@IECSouthAfrica), Facebook (IECSouthAfrica) and email (info@elections.org.za).
*Use the voting station finder app on the IEC website at www.elections.org.za
*Dial *120*IEC# (*120*432#)
Voters who are already registered may SMS their ID number to 32810 (cost R1) to receive confirmation of their voter registration details, including the name of their voting station.
Voters need to take with them their green bar-coded ID book, smart ID card or a valid temporary ID certificate to the voting station. No other forms of ID are accepted for voter registration.
The Electoral Commission reminds all voters that it is a criminal offence to knowingly register in a voting district in which the voter is not ordinarily a resident.
