Last chance to register to vote

The DA urges all South Africans to make sure, on February 8 and 9 (or beforehand), that they are correctly registered to vote.

On February 8 and 9, South Africans still resident in the counrty will probably have their last opportunity to either register or re-register to vote in this year’s elections.

All voting stations will be open from 8am to 5pm on both days, for registrations, re-registrations and checking of voter registrations.

It is anticipated that the President will announce the election date soon after the second registration weekend and, possibly, as soon as February 10.

The DA urges all South Africans to make sure that they are correctly registered to vote where they currently live.

The battle for Gauteng hangs in the balance, with the DA and ANC contesting this province in what will be a closely fought race.

Every registration and every vote will count in an election which will be won by such a small margin.

Whilst some citizens may not be sure who they will be voting for, they will not be able to vote if they are not registered to vote and could lose their provincial vote if living in a different province to where they are registered to vote.

Every South African currently not registered to vote needs to visit their voting station in order to register.

If you have never voted before or last voted in 1994 you will need to register to vote.

Registration is not automatic so if you turned 18 since the 2011 municipal elections you are probably not registered.

Residents can check their voter registration status by SMS’ing their ID number without any spaces to 32810.

You can also go to the IEC website www.elections.org.za where under the “For Voters” option there is a drop down box where you will click on “My voter registration details” and will be able to enter your ID number.

For your registration status and voting station details, you can also call 0800 11 8000 (toll-free from a land line) between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

The reply will tell you the voting station where you are registered or indicate that you are not registered.

If the voting station is not your local voting station or there is an indication that you are not registered you can then click on the “Where do I vote option?”.

At the bottom is a “Voting Station Finder” option and this will take you to a map where you will enter your physical street and suburb and through a series of prompts you will be able to find your street address on a map and the voting station where you need to register.

If you have any difficulty with the above process the DA will assist and you can make contact through the following options:-

•  SMS your name and ID number to 43165 and the DA will call to assist you.

•  Email your name, ID number, street address and telephone contact details to gerom@gauteng.da.org.za.

By using this option you could forward the details of your entire family or even friends of yours.

•  Call 0861 2255 32 / 0861 CALL DA.

•  If resident in Ekurhuleni call 011 394-6425.

•  Visit www.da.org.za where you can find the contact details for your local DA councillor.

If you are not registered or incorrectly registered and can’t visit the polling station on February 8 or 9 you can visit your nearest IEC office during office hours which will be found on www.elections.org.za or phone 011 394-6425 to get the street address and contact telephone number of your nearest IEC office.

It is best to phone the IEC offices to check when they are open before visiting.

The IEC will do home registrations for incapacitated voters or bulk registrations for retirement villages, old age homes, institutions and schools but you need to contact your local IEC office.

The DA can assist if you phone 011 394-6425 and speak to Michelle Geldenhuys or email gerom@gauteng.da.org.za.

The Germiston municipal electoral office is situated at the Germiston Civic Centre (next to the clinic), at the corner of Queen and Cross streets, Germiston CBD.

The office can be contacted on 011 999-0715 or 011 871-7084.