Last chance to register

The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) is appealing to all eligible voters to make use of the final opportunity to register or update their registration and address details at their voting stations this weekend on 9 and 10 April.

While registration for the upcoming 2016 Municipal Elections will continue at the Electoral Commission’s local offices until the date of the elections is proclaimed by the Minister of Corporate Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA), the opening of all 22 617 voting stations this Saturday and Sunday between 8am and 5pm provides the most convenient opportunity for voters to ensure they are ready to participate in this year’s elections.

Existing voters can check whether additional address information is required for them by SMSing their ID number to 32810 (at a cost of R1). They will receive an SMS back with the name of the voting station where they are currently registered. Voters for whom incomplete address details are currently captured will receive a second SMS urging them to visit their voting station to update their details.

Voters can also check their status by dialing *120*432# or online at www.elections.org.za or call 0800 11 8000 between 7am and 9pm.

In order to register or to update registration and address details, voters must complete a REC1 voter registration application form and present it in person at the voting station for the voting district in which they ordinarily reside.

To help speed up the registration process, an electronic PDF of the REC 1 form is available on www.elections.org.za which voters can complete online, print and take it with them to their voting station.

Voters without formal addresses will be required to complete and sign an affirmation form (REC AS) accompanying the REC 1 form in which they attest to the fact they live in the relevant voting district.

In municipal elections, voters may only vote where they are registered and voters are reminded that it is a criminal offence to knowingly register in a voting district in which they are not ordinarily resident.

To find their correct voting station, eligible voters can:

•  Call the contact centre on 0800 11 8000 between 7am and 9pm
•  Dial *120*432#
•  Use the Voting Station Finder App on www.elections.org.za

Or view a map of your neighbourhood’s voting stations:

All those visiting a voting station should have a valid South African identity document – either a green bar-coded ID book, a smartcard ID or a valid Temporary Identity Certificate with them.

The IEC has welcomed the announcement of date for 2016 Municipal Elections. On 6 April, President Jacob Zuma announced that 2016 Municipal Elections will be held on 3 August.

In a statement released by the IEC, the date falls within the Constitutionally-mandated window to host municipal elections between 18 May and 16 August this year.

The IEC said the announcement of the date for the municipal elections created certainty and clarity and allows detailed planning by all stakeholders including the Electoral Commission, political parties, government departments, voters, the media, observers and others.

The announcement was especially welcome ahead of this weekend’s final registration opportunity at voting stations as voters could now plan where they might be on 3 August. This was particularly important for students, migrant workers and others who may commute between two places of residence.